Methods for determining a nucleotide sequence contiguous to a known target nucleotide sequence

ABSTRACT

The technology described herein is directed to methods of determining oligonucleotide sequences, e.g. by enriching target sequences prior to sequencing the sequences.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/645,364 filed May 10, 2012 and 61/679,302 filed Aug. 3, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with federal funding under Grant No. 5R21CA161590 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The U.S. government has certain rights in the invention.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted in ASCII format via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Mar. 8, 2013, is named 030258-074963-US_SL.txt and is 41,749 bytes in size.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates to methods of determining oligonucleotide sequences.

BACKGROUND

Target enrichment prior to next-generation sequencing is more cost-effective than whole genome, whole exome, and whole transcriptome sequencing and therefore more practical for broad implementation; both for research discovery and clinical applications. For example, high coverage depth afforded by target enrichment approaches enables a wider dynamic range for allele counting (in gene expression and copy number assessment) and detection of low frequency mutations, a critical feature for evaluating somatic mutations in cancer. Examples of current enrichment protocols for next generation sequencing include hybridization-based capture assays (TruSeq Capture, Illumina; SureSelect Hybrid Capture, Agilent) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays (HaloPlex, Agilent; AmpliSeq, Ion Torrent; TruSeq Amplicon, Illumina; emulsion/digital PCR, Raindance). Hybridization-based approaches capture not only the targeted sequences covered by the capture probes but also near off-target bases that consume sequencing capacity. In addition, these methods are relatively time-consuming, labor-intensive, and suffer from a relatively low level of specificity. A PCR amplification based approach is simpler and faster but by conventional design requires the use of both forward and reverse primers flanking the target loci. In particular, for detection of genomic rearrangements with unknown fusion partners, PCR is not applicable.

SUMMARY

The technology described herein is directed to methods of determining oligonucleotide sequences. In some embodiments, the methods described herein relate to enriching target sequences prior to sequencing the sequences.

In one aspect, the technology described herein relates to a method of determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to a known target nucleotide sequence, the method comprising; (a) ligating a target nucleic acid comprising the known target nucleotide sequence with a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor; (b) amplifying a portion of the target nucleic acid and the amplification strand of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor with a first adaptor primer and a first target-specific primer; (c) amplifying a portion of the amplicon resulting from step (b) with a second adaptor primer and a second target-specific primer; (d) sequencing the amplified portion from step (c) using a first and second sequencing primer; wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a first ligatable duplex end and a second unpaired end; wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a blocking strand and an amplification strand; wherein the blocking strand comprises a 5′ duplex portion; wherein the amplification strand comprises an unpaired 5′ portion, a 3′ duplex portion, and a 3′ T overhang; wherein the amplification strand comprises nucleic acid sequences identical to a first and second sequencing primers; wherein the duplex portions of the blocking strand and the amplification strand are substantially complementary and form the first ligatable duplex end comprising a 3′ T overhang; wherein the duplex portion is of sufficient length to remain in duplex form at the ligation temperature; wherein the first target-specific primer comprises a nucleic acid sequence that can specifically anneal to the known target nucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid at the annealing temperature; wherein the second target-specific primer comprises a 3′ portion comprising a nucleic acid sequence that can specifically anneal to a portion of the known target nucleotide sequence comprised by the amplicon resulting from step (b), and a 5′ portion comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is identical to a second sequencing primer and the second target-specific primer is nested with respect to the first target-specific primer; wherein the first adaptor primer comprises a nucleic acid sequence identical to a 5′ portion of the first sequencing primer; and wherein the second adaptor primer comprises a nucleic acid sequence identical to a portion of the first sequencing primer and is nested with respect to the first adaptor primer.

In some embodiments, the blocking strand of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can further comprise a 3′ unpaired portion which is not substantially complementary to the 5′ unpaired portion of the amplification strand; and wherein the 3′ unpaired portion of the blocking strand is not substantially complementary to or substantially identical to any of the primers. In some embodiments, the second adaptor primer can be nested with respect to the first adaptor primer by at least 3 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the portion of the amplification strand that comprises a nucleic acid sequence identical to a first and second sequencing primers can be comprised, at least in part, by the 5′ unpaired portion of the amplification strand.

In some embodiments, the first target-specific primer can further comprise a 5′ tag sequence portion comprising a nucleic acid sequence of high GC content which is not substantially complementary to or substantially identical to any other portion of any of the primers. In some embodiments, the first target-specific primer can further comprise a 5′ tag sequence portion comprising a nucleic acid sequence of high GC content which will not specifically anneal to any other portion of any of the primers or their complements at the annealing temperature. In some embodiments, the second adaptor primer can be identical to the full-length first sequencing primer. In some embodiments, the portions of the target-specific primers that specifically anneal to the known target can anneal specifically at a temperature of about 65° C. in a PCR buffer.

In some embodiments, the method can further; prior to step (a), the steps of: mechanically shearing the nucleic acid; subjecting the nucleic acid to end-repair; subjecting the nucleic acid to phosphorylation; and subjecting the nucleic acid to adenylation. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise genomic DNA. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise RNA and the method can further comprise a first step of subjecting the sample to a reverse transcriptase regimen. In some embodiments, the reverse transcriptase regimen can comprise the use of random hexamers.

In some embodiments, the known target sequence can be comprised by a gene rearrangement. In some embodiments, the gene rearrangement can be present in a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of: genomic DNA; RNA; and cDNA. In some embodiments, the gene rearrangement can comprise an oncogene. In some embodiments, the gene rearrangement can comprise a fusion oncogene.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid product can be sequenced by a next-generation sequencing method. In some embodiments, the next-generation sequencing method can comprise a method selected from the group consisting of: Ion Torrent, Illumina, SOLiD, 454; Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing solid-phase, reversible dye-terminator sequencing; and DNA nanoball sequencing. In some embodiments, the first and second sequencing primers are compatible with the selected next-generation sequencing method.

In some embodiments, the method can comprise contacting the sample, or separate portions of the sample, with a plurality of sets of first and second target-specific primers. In some embodiments, the method can comprise contacting a single reaction mixture comprising the sample with a plurality of sets of first and second target-specific primers. In some embodiments, the plurality of sets of first and second target-specific primers can specifically anneal to known target nucleotide sequences comprised by separate genes. In some embodiments, at least two sets of first and second target-specific primers can specifically anneal to different portions of a known target nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, at least two sets of first and second target-specific primers can specifically anneal to different portions of a single gene comprising a known target nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, at least two sets of first and second target-specific primers can specifically anneal to different exons of a gene comprising a known nucleotide target sequence. In some embodiments, the plurality of first target-specific primers can comprise identical 5′ tag sequence portions. In some embodiments, the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can further comprise a barcode portion. In some embodiments, multiple samples can each be contacted with a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor with a unique barcode portion and wherein the samples are pooled after step (a).

In some embodiments, each amplification step can comprise a set of cycles of a PCR amplification regimen from 5 cycles to 20 cycles in length. In some embodiments, the target-specific primers and the adaptor primers can be designed such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary sequences at an annealing temperature of from about 61 to 72° C. In some embodiments, the target-specific primers and the adaptor primers can be designed such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary sequences at an annealing temperature of about 65° C.

In some embodiments, the sample can comprise a biological sample obtained from a subject. In some embodiments, the sample can be obtained from a subject in need of treatment for a disease associated with a genetic alteration. In some embodiments, the disease can be cancer. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise a population of tumor cells. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise a tumor biopsy. In some embodiments, the cancer can be lung cancer.

In some embodiments, the known target sequence can be comprised by a disease-associated gene. In some embodiments, the known target sequence can be comprised by a gene rearrangement product in the sample. In some embodiments, the gene rearrangement product can be an oncogene.

In some embodiments, the known target sequence can comprise a sequence from a gene selected from the group of: ALK; ROS1; and RET. In some embodiments, at least one set of a first target-specific primer and a second target-specific primer can be selected from the group consisting of; SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6; SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8; SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10; SEQ ID NOs: 11 and 12; SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14; SEQ ID NOs: 15 and 16; SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 18; SEQ ID NOs: 19 and 20; SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 22; SEQ ID NOs: 23 and 24; SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 26; SEQ ID NOs: 27 and 28; SEQ ID NOs: 29 and 30; SEQ ID NOs: 31 and 32; SEQ ID NOs: 33 and 34; SEQ ID NOs: 35 and 36; and SEQ ID NOs: 37 and 38.

In some embodiments, the presence of a gene rearrangement of ALK in a sample obtained from a tumor in a subject can indicate that the tumor is susceptible to treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting of: an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684.

In some embodiments, the presence of a gene rearrangement of ROS1 in a sample obtained from a tumor in a subject can indicate that the tumor is susceptible to treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting of: a ROS inhibitor; an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684.

In some embodiments, the presence of a gene rearrangement of RET in a sample obtained from a tumor in a subject can indicate that the tumor is susceptible to treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting of: a RET inhibitor; DP-2490; DP-3636; SU5416; BAY 43-9006; BAY 73-4506 (regorafenib); ZD6474; NVP-AST487; sorafenib; RPI-1; XL184; vandetanib; sunitinib; imatinib; pazopanib; axitinib; motesanib; gefitinib; and withaferin A.

In one aspect, the technology described herein relates to a method of treating cancer, the method comprising; detecting, in a tumor sample obtained from a subject in need of treatment for cancer, the presence of one or more oncogene rearrangements according to the method described herein; administering a cancer treatment which is effective against tumors having any of the detected oncogene rearrangements. In some embodiments, a treatment selected from the group consisting of: an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684 can be effective against tumors having an ALK oncogene rearrangement. In some embodiments, a treatment selected from the group consisting of: a ROS1 inhibitor; an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684; can be effective against tumors having an ROS1 oncogene rearrangement. In some embodiments, a treatment selected from the group consisting of: a RET inhibitor; DP-2490; DP-3636; SU5416; BAY 43-9006; BAY 73-4506 (regorafenib); ZD6474; NVP-AST487; sorafenib; RPI-1; XL184; vandetanib; sunitinib; imatinib; pazopanib; axitinib; motesanib; gefitinib; and withaferin A; can be effective against tumors having an RET oncogene rearrangement.

In one aspect, the technology described herein relates to a method of determining if a subject in need of treatment for cancer will be responsive to a given treatment, the method comprising; detecting, in a tumor sample obtained from the subject, the presence of an oncogene rearrangement according to the method as described herein; wherein the subject is determined to be responsive to a treatment targeting an oncogene rearrangement product if the presence of the oncogene rearrangement is detected.

In some embodiments, when the presence of an ALK oncogene rearrangement is detected, the subject can be responsive to a treatment selected from the group consisting of: an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684. In some embodiments, when the presence of an ROS1 oncogene rearrangement is detected, the subject can be responsive to a treatment selected from the group consisting of: an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684.

In some embodiments, when the presence of an RET oncogene rearrangement is detected, the subject will be responsive to a treatment selected from the group consisting of: a RET inhibitor; DP-2490; DP-3636; SU5416; BAY 43-9006; BAY 73-4506 (regorafenib); ZD6474; NVP-AST487; sorafenib; RPI-1; XL184; vandetanib; sunitinib; imatinib; pazopanib; axitinib; motesanib; gefitinib; and withaferin A.

In some embodiments, the cancer can be lung cancer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic illustration of an example of library construction for targeted RNA and DNA sequencing. 1) A standard procedure of double-stranded cDNA synthesis is applied using total nucleic acid from FFPE specimen as starting material. Alternatively, the starting material may also be sheared gDNA. 2) After cleanup, the double stranded cDNA or gDNA is subjected to end-repair and dA tailing, directly followed by ligation of a half-truncated Y adapter without cleanup in between. 3) After SPRI cleanup, the ligated sample is subjected to 14 cycles of PCR amplification using multiplex gene specific primers (GSP1s) and Ion Torrent short length Forward primer A 5′ 20-mer (A20), with annealing temperature at 65° C. 4). After a second SPRI cleanup, the sample is subjected to an additional 14 cycles of PCR amplification using multiplex nested gene specific primers (3′ downstream of GSP1 and in the same direction) tagged with Ion Torrent Reverse primer (P1_GSP2s) and Forward primer A (full length 30-mer), with annealing temperature at 65° C. 5) After a final third SPRI cleanup, the product is Ion Torrent library ready for downstream emulsion PCR and sequencing. Sample pooling may be carried out after Step 2.

FIG. 2 depicts the mapping results, demonstrating different primer (dots) extension products in one sequencing run of ROS1 sequences, including reads that corresponding to genomic DNA (spanning intron-exon boundaries), cDNA (spanning exons) and fusion cDNA (on exon 34, mapping on the fusion partner SLC34A2 not shown here). 91.8% specificity (127,446/138,787) was achieved.

FIG. 3A depicts a schematic presentation of nested primer targeting strategy using ROS1 as an example. The assay target panel includes a total of 17 pairs of GSP1s and GSP2s for ROS1, ALK and RET. FIG. 3B depicts a representation of the possible types of extension products using gDNA and cDNA templates.

FIG. 4A depicts the visualization of reads mapping using the Integrative Genomics Viewer. FIG. 4B depicts the sequence of two alternative spliced fusion sequences (SEQ ID NOS 39-44, respectively, in order of appearance). FIG. 4C depicts a summary table reporting fusion transcripts in involved genes annotated with exon, frame, and fusion read coverage details.

FIG. 5 depicts the results of an example sequencing run.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict examples of the results of sequencing runs for ALK and RET sequences, respectively.

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic presentation of the targeted sequencing approach described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts schematics of illustrative universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptors (SEQ ID NOS 45-48, respectively, in order of appearance).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the technology described herein relate to methods of determining (i.e sequencing) oligonucleotide sequences. In some embodiments, the methods described herein relate to methods of enriching target sequences prior to a sequencing step. In some embodiments, the sequence of one end of the target sequence to be enriched is not known prior to the sequencing step.

For convenience, the meaning of some terms and phrases used in the specification, examples, and appended claims, are provided below. Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following terms and phrases include the meanings provided below. The definitions are provided to aid in describing particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention, because the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. If there is an apparent discrepancy between the usage of a term in the art and its definition provided herein, the definition provided within the specification shall prevail.

For convenience, certain terms employed herein, in the specification, examples and appended claims are collected here.

The terms “decrease”, “reduced”, “reduction”, or “inhibit” are all used herein generally to mean a decrease by a statistically significant amount. However, for avoidance of doubt, “reduced”, “reduction”, “decrease”, or “inhibit” means a decrease by at least 10% as compared to a reference level, for example a decrease by at least about 20%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 90% or up to and including a 100% decrease (e.g. absent level or non-detectable level as compared to a reference level), or any decrease between 10-100% as compared to a reference level. In the context of a marker or symptom is meant a statistically significant decrease in such level. The decrease can be, for example, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40% or more, and is preferably down to a level accepted as within the range of normal for an individual without such disorder.

The terms “increased”, “increase”, “enhance”, or “activate” are all used herein to generally mean an increase by a statically significant amount; for the avoidance of doubt, the terms “increased”, “increase”, “enhance”, or “activate” mean an increase of at least 10% as compared to a reference level, for example an increase of at least about 20%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 90% or up to and including a 100% increase or any increase between 10-100% as compared to a reference level, or at least about a 2-fold, or at least about a 3-fold, or at least about a 4-fold, or at least about a 5-fold or at least about a 10-fold increase, or any increase between 2-fold and 10-fold or greater as compared to a reference level.

As used herein, a “subject” means a human or animal. Usually the animal is a vertebrate such as a primate, rodent, domestic animal or game animal. Primates include chimpanzees, cynomologous monkeys, spider monkeys, and macaques, e.g., Rhesus. Rodents include mice, rats, woodchucks, ferrets, rabbits and hamsters. Domestic and game animals include cows, horses, pigs, deer, bison, buffalo, feline species, e.g., domestic cat, canine species, e.g., dog, fox, wolf, avian species, e.g., chicken, emu, ostrich, and fish, e.g., trout, catfish and salmon. In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal, e.g., a primate, e.g., a human. The terms, “individual,” “patient” and “subject” are used interchangeably herein.

Preferably, the subject is a mammal. The mammal can be a human, non-human primate, mouse, rat, dog, cat, horse, or cow, but is not limited to these examples. Mammals other than humans can be advantageously used as subjects that represent animal models of, e.g. lung cancer. A subject can be male or female.

A subject can be one who has been previously diagnosed with or identified as suffering from or having a condition in need of treatment (e.g. cancer) or one or more complications related to such a condition, and optionally, have already undergone treatment for the condition or the one or more complications related to the condition. Alternatively, a subject can also be one who has not been previously diagnosed as having the condition (e.g. cancer) or one or more complications related to the condition. For example, a subject can be one who exhibits one or more risk factors for the condition or one or more complications related to the condition or a subject who does not exhibit risk factors.

A “subject in need” of treatment for a particular condition can be a subject having that condition, diagnosed as having that condition, or at risk of developing that condition.

As used herein, a “disease associated with a genetic alteration” refers to any disease which is caused by, at least in part, by an alteration in the genetic material of the subject as compared to a healthy wildtype subject, e.g. a deletion, an insertion, a SNP, a gene rearrangement. A disease can be caused by, at least in part, an alteration in the genetic material of the subject if the alteration increases the risk of the subject developing the disease, increases the subject's susceptibility to a disease (including infectious diseases, or diseases with an infectious component), causes the production of a disease-associated molecule, or causes cells to become diseased or abnormal (e.g. loss of cell cycle regulation in cancer cells). Diseases can be associated with multiple genetic alterations, e.g. cancers.

As used herein, the term “nucleic acid” or “nucleic acid sequence” refers to any molecule, preferably a polymeric molecule, incorporating units of ribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid or an analog thereof. The nucleic acid can be either single-stranded or double-stranded. A single-stranded nucleic acid can be one strand nucleic acid of a denatured double-stranded DNA. Alternatively, it can be a single-stranded nucleic acid not derived from any double-stranded DNA. In one aspect, the template nucleic acid is DNA. In another aspect, the template is RNA. Suitable nucleic acid molecules are DNA, including genomic DNA or cDNA. Other suitable nucleic acid molecules are RNA, including mRNA.

The term “isolated” or “partially purified” as used herein refers, in the case of a nucleic acid, to a nucleic acid separated from at least one other component (e.g., nucleic acid or polypeptide) that is present with the nucleic acid as found in its natural source and/or that would be present with the nucleic acid when expressed by a cell. A chemically synthesized nucleic acid or one synthesized using in vitro transcription/translation is considered “isolated.”

The term “gene” means a nucleic acid sequence which is transcribed (DNA) to RNA in vitro or in vivo when operably linked to appropriate regulatory sequences. The gene can include regulatory regions preceding and following the coding region, e.g. 5′ untranslated (5′UTR) or “leader” sequences and 3′ UTR or “trailer” sequences, as well as intervening sequences (introns) between individual coding segments (exons).

As used herein, the term “complementary” refers to the hierarchy of hydrogen-bonded base pair formation preferences between the nucleotide bases G, A, T, C and U, such that when two given polynucleotides or polynucleotide sequences anneal to each other, A pairs with T and G pairs with C in DNA, and G pairs with C and A pairs with U in RNA. As used herein, “substantially complementary” refers to a nucleic acid molecule or portion thereof (e.g. a primer) having at least 90% complementarity over the entire length of the molecule or portion thereof with a second nucleotide sequence, e.g. 90% complementary, 95% complementary, 98% complementary, 99% complementary, or 100% complementary. As used herein, “substantially identical” refers to a nucleic acid molecule or portion thereof having at least 90% identity over the entire length of a the molecule or portion thereof with a second nucleotide sequence, e.g. 90% identity, 95% identity, 98% identity, 99% identity, or 100% identity.

As used herein, “specific” when used in the context of a primer specific for a target nucleic acid refers to a level of complementarity between the primer and the target such that there exists an annealing temperature at which the primer will anneal to and mediate amplification of the target nucleic acid and will not anneal to or mediate amplification of non-target sequences present in a sample.

As used herein, “amplified product”, “amplification product”; or “amplicon” refers to oligonucleotides resulting from a PCR reaction that are copies of a portion of a particular target nucleic acid template strand and/or its complementary sequence, which correspond in nucleotide sequence to the template oligonucleotide sequence and/or its complementary sequence. An amplification product can further comprise sequence specific to the primers and which flanks sequence which is a portion of the target nucleic acid and/or its complement. An amplified product, as described herein will generally be double-stranded DNA, although reference can be made to individual strands thereof.

As used herein, a “portion” of a nucleic acid molecule refers to contiguous set of nucleotides comprised by that molecule. A portion can comprise all or only a subset of the nucleotides comprised by the molecule. A portion can be double-stranded or single-stranded.

As used herein, the terms “treat,” “treatment,” “treating,” or “amelioration” refer to therapeutic treatments, wherein the object is to reverse, alleviate, ameliorate, inhibit, slow down or stop the progression or severity of a condition associated with a disease or disorder, e.g. lung cancer. The term “treating” includes reducing or alleviating at least one adverse effect or symptom of a condition, disease or disorder associated with a condition. Treatment is generally “effective” if one or more symptoms or clinical markers are reduced. Alternatively, treatment is “effective” if the progression of a disease is reduced or halted. That is, “treatment” includes not just the improvement of symptoms or markers, but also a cessation of, or at least slowing of, progress or worsening of symptoms compared to what would be expected in the absence of treatment. Beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, alleviation of one or more symptom(s), diminishment of extent of disease, stabilized (i.e., not worsening) state of disease, delay or slowing of disease progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease state, remission (whether partial or total), and/or decreased mortality, whether detectable or undetectable. The term “treatment” of a disease also includes providing relief from the symptoms or side-effects of the disease (including palliative treatment).

The term “statistically significant” or “significantly” refers to statistical significance and generally means a two standard deviation (2SD) below normal, or lower, concentration of the marker.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions used herein should be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about.” The term “about” when used in connection with percentages can mean±1%.

As used herein the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in reference to compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that are essential to the method or composition, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, whether essential or not.

The term “consisting of” refers to compositions, methods, and respective components thereof as described herein, which are exclusive of any element not recited in that description of the embodiment.

As used herein the term “consisting essentially of” refers to those elements required for a given embodiment. The term permits the presence of elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel or functional characteristic(s) of that embodiment.

The singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia, and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example.”

Definitions of common terms in cell biology and molecular biology can be found in “The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy”, 19th Edition, published by Merck Research Laboratories, 2006 (ISBN 0-911910-19-0); Robert S. Porter et al. (eds.), The Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology, published by Blackwell Science Ltd., 1994 (ISBN 0-632-02182-9). Definitions of common terms in molecular biology can also be found in Benjamin Lewin, Genes X, published by Jones & Bartlett Publishing, 2009 (ISBN-10: 0763766321); Kendrew et al. (eds.), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: a Comprehensive Desk Reference, published by VCH Publishers, Inc., 1995 (ISBN 1-56081-569-8) and Current Protocols in Protein Sciences 2009, Wiley Intersciences, Coligan et al., eds.

Unless otherwise stated, the present invention was performed using standard procedures, as described, for example in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3 ed.), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., USA (2001); and Davis et al., Basic Methods in Molecular Biology, Elsevier Science Publishing, Inc., New York, USA (1995) which are all incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

Other terms are defined herein within the description of the various aspects of the invention.

Described herein are methods of determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to a known target nucleotide sequence. Traditional sequencing methods generate sequence information randomly (e.g. “shotgun” sequencing) or between two known sequences which are used to design primers. In contrast, the methods described herein, in some embodiments, allow for determining the nucleotide sequence (e.g. sequencing) upstream or downstream of a single region of known sequence with a high level of specificity and sensitivity.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein relate to a method of enriching specific nucleotide sequences prior to determining the nucleotide sequence using a next-generation sequencing technology. In some embodiments, the methods of enriching specific nucleotide sequences do not comprise hybridization enrichment.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein can relate to a method of determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to a known target nucleotide sequence, the method comprising; (a) ligating a target nucleic acid comprising the known target nucleotide sequence with a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor; (b) amplifying a portion of the target nucleic acid and the amplification strand of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor with a first adaptor primer and a first target-specific primer; (c) amplifying a portion of the amplicon resulting from step (b) with a second adaptor primer and a second target-specific primer; and (d) sequencing the amplified portion from step (c) using a first and second sequencing primer. As used herein, the term “target nucleic acid” refers to a nucleic acid molecule comprising both the nucleic acid sequence which is to be determined and the known target nucleotide sequence. The target nucleic acid can be of any length and can be double-stranded or single-stranded. As used herein, the term “known target nucleotide sequence” refers to a portion of a target nucleic acid for which the sequence (e.g. the identity and order of the nucleotide bases comprises the nucleic acid) is known. The known target nucleotide sequence can be of any length of 10 or more nucleotides, preferably 30 or more nucleotides (e.g. 30 nucleotides, 40 nucleotides, 50 nucleotides or more). As used herein, the term “nucleotide sequence contiguous to” refers to a nucleotide sequence which is located on the same nucleic acid molecule (i.e. the target nucleic acid) as the known target nucleotide sequence and either upstream or downstream of the known target nucleotide sequence. The nucleotide sequence contiguous to can comprise any length of nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequence contiguous to the known target nucleotide sequence comprises 1 kb or less of nucleotide sequence, e.g. 1 kb or less of nucleotide sequence, 750 bp or less of nucleotide sequence, 500 bp or less of nucleotide sequence, 400 bp or less of nucleotide sequence, 300 bp or less of nucleotide sequence, 200 bp or less of nucleotide sequence, 100 bp or less of nucleotide sequence. Where a sample comprises different target nucleic acids comprising the known target nucleotide sequence (e.g. a cell where the known target nucleotide sequence occurs multiple times in the genome, or on separate, non-identical chromosomes), there can be multiple sequences which comprise “nucleotide sequence contiguous to” the known target nucleotide sequence. As used herein, the term “determining the nucleotide sequence”, refers to determining the identity and relative positions of the nucleotide bases comprising a nucleic acid.

In step (a) of the method described herein, the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can be ligated to the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the target nucleic acid can be comprised by a sample comprising a plurality of nucleic acids, some of which do not comprise the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can be ligated to substantially all of the nucleic acids in a sample. In some embodiments, the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can be ligated to both nucleic acids which comprise the target nucleic acid sequence and to nucleic acids which do not comprise the target nucleic acid sequence.

As used herein, the term “universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor” refers to a nucleic acid molecule comprised of two strands (a blocking strand and an amplification strand) and comprising a first ligatable duplex end and a second unpaired end. The blocking strand of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a 5′ duplex portion. The amplification strand comprises an unpaired 5′ portion, a 3′ duplex portion, and a 3′ T overhang and nucleic acid sequences identical to a first and second sequencing primers. The duplex portions of the blocking strand and the amplification strand are substantially complementary and form the first ligatable duplex end comprising a 3′ T overhang and the duplex portion is of sufficient length to remain in duplex form at the ligation temperature.

In some embodiments, the portion of the amplification strand that comprises a nucleic acid sequence identical to a first and second sequencing primers can be comprised, at least in part, by the 5′ unpaired portion of the amplification strand.

In some embodiments, the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can comprise a duxplex portion and an unpaired portion, wherein the unpaired portion comprises only the 5′ portion of the amplification strand, i.e. the entirety of the blocking strand is a duplex portion.

In some embodiments, the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can have a″Y″ shape, i.e. the unpaired portion can comprise portions of both the blocking strand and the amplification strand which are unpaired. The unpaired portion of the blocking strand can be shorter than, longer than, or equal in length to the unpaired portion of the amplification strand. In some embodiments, the unpaired portion of the blocking strand can be shorter than the unpaired portion of the amplification strand. Y shaped universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptors have the advantage that the unpaired portion of the blocking strand will not be subject to 3′ extension during a PCR regimen.

In some embodiments, the blocking strand of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can further comprise a 3′ unpaired portion which is not substantially complementary to the 5′ unpaired portion of the amplification strand; and wherein the 3′ unpaired portion of the blocking strand is not substantially complementary to or substantially identical to any of the primers. In some embodiments, the blocking strand of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can further comprise a 3′ unpaired portion which will not specifically anneal to the 5′ unpaired portion of the amplification strand at the annealing temperature; and wherein the 3′ unpaired portion of the blocking strand will not specifically anneal to any of the primers or the complements thereof at the annealing temperature.

In some embodiments, the duplex portion of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor (e.g. the duplex portions of either or both of the strands) is at least 7 base pairs in length, e.g. 7 bp or more, 8 bp or more, 9 bp or more, 10 bp or more, 11 bp or more, 12 bp or more, 13 bp or more, or 14 bp or more in length. In some embodiments, the duplex portion of a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can be at least 30 bp or longer, e.g. 30 bp or more, 31 bp or more, 32 bp or more, 33 bp or more, 34 bp or more, 35 bp or more, 40 bp or more, or 50 bp or more in length. The duplex portion of a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor should not be so long as to suppress PCR amplification of the desired amplicons in the PCR amplification regimen being used. Some next-generation sequencing methods use Y-shaped adaptor molecules. These Y-shaped adaptor molecules require duplex portions that are of limited length, (e.g. 17 bp or less) to avoid the formation of intramolecular hairpins during several PCR steps (e.g. library enrichment PCR, bridge PCR, or emulsion PCR). The Y-shaped universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptors of the methods described herein are not subject to this limitation of the duplex end as the two This PCR suppression effect resulting from the duplex end is not applicable in this invention since the two target primers can access the target fragment internally. In some embodiments, the duplex portion of a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can be at least 18 bp or longer, e.g. 18 bp or more, 19 bp or more, 20 bp or more, 21 bp or more, 22 bp or more, 23 bp or more, 24 bp or more, or 25 bp or more in length.

Illustrative examples of universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptors are shown in FIG. 9.

Ligation of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can be accomplished by any method known in the art, e.g. blunt-end ligation or TA ligation. In some embodiments, prior to ligation of the Universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor, the nucleic acids in a sample can be subjected to nucleic acid end-repair to blunt the ends of the nucleic acid. End-repair is well known in the art and relevant kits and/or enzymes are available commercially, (e.g. the NEBNEXT™ End Repair Module (Cat No. E6050L; New England Biolabs; Ipswich, Mass.).

In some embodiments, prior to ligation of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor, the nucleic acids in a sample can be phosphorylated and/or adenylated. Adenylation can provide an adenosine overhang on the 3′ end of a nucleic acid. A second nucleic acid with a thionine 3′ overhang can then be ligated to the first nucleic acid by TA ligation. Methods of ligation are well known in the art and relevant kits and/or enzymes are available commercially, e.g. the NEBNEXT™ da-Tailing module (Cat No. E6053L: New England Biolabs; Ipswich, Mass.) can be used to adenylate a blunt end of a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, Universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptors can be provided with a thioninie 3′ overhang.

Steps (b) and (c) of the methods described herein can each comprise a PCR amplification regimen, i.e. a set of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification cycles. As used herein, the term “amplification regimen” refers to a process of specifically amplifying, i.e., increasing the abundance of, a nucleic acid sequence of interest, and more particularly, the exponential amplification occurring when the products of a previous polymerase extension serve as templates for the successive rounds of extension. A PCR amplification regimen according to the invention comprises at least one, and preferably at least 5 or more iterative cycles, where each cycle comprises the steps of: 1) strand separation (e.g., thermal denaturation) 2) oligonucleotide primer annealing to template molecules; and 3) nucleic acid polymerase extension of the annealed primers. Conditions and times necessary for each of these steps can be devised by one of ordinary skill in the art. An amplification regimen according to the methods described herein is preferably performed in a thermal cycler, many of which are commercially available.

PCR requires the use of a nucleic acid polymerase. As used herein, the phrase “nucleic acid polymerase” refers an enzyme that catalyzes the template-dependent polymerization of nucleoside triphosphates to form primer extension products that are complementary to the template nucleic acid sequence. A nucleic acid polymerase enzyme initiates synthesis at the 3′ end of an annealed primer and proceeds in the direction toward the 5′ end of the template. Numerous nucleic acid polymerases are known in the art and commercially available. One group of preferred nucleic acid polymerases are thermostable, i.e., they retain function after being subjected to temperatures sufficient to denature annealed strands of complementary nucleic acids, e.g. 94° C., or sometimes higher.

As understood in the art, PCR requires cycles including a strand separation step generally involving heating of the reaction mixture. As used herein, the term “strand separation” or “separating the strands” means treatment of a nucleic acid sample such that complementary double-stranded molecules are separated into two single strands available for annealing to an oligonucleotide primer, More specifically, strand separation according to the methods described herein is achieved by heating the nucleic acid sample above its T_(m). Generally, for a sample containing nucleic acid molecules in buffer suitable for a nucleic acid polymerase, heating to 94° C. is sufficient to achieve strand separation. An exemplary buffer contains 50 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.8@25° C.), 0.5 to 3 mM MgCl₂, and 0.1% BSA.

As also understood in the art, PCR requires annealing primers to template nucleic acids. Any strand of a target nucleic acid can be a template nucleic acid, as the template nucleic acid is defined as a single-strand nucleic acid to which a given primer will specifically anneal. As used herein, “anneal” refers to permitting two complementary or substantially complementary nucleic acids strands to hybridize, and more particularly, when used in the context of PCR, to hybridize such that a primer extension substrate for a template-dependent polymerase enzyme is formed. Conditions for primer-target nucleic acid annealing vary with the length and sequence of the primer and are based upon the calculated T_(m) for the primer. Generally, an annealing step in an amplification regimen involves reducing the temperature following the strand separation step to a temperature based on the calculated T_(m) for the primer sequence, for a time sufficient to permit such annealing. T_(m) can be readily predicted by one of skill in the art using any of a number of widely available algorithms (e.g., OLIGO™ (Molecular Biology Insights Inc. Colorado) primer design software and VENTRO NTI™ (Invitrogen, Inc. California) primer design software and programs available on the internet, including Primer3, Oligo Calculator, and NetPrimer (Premier Biosoft; Palo Alto, Calif.; and freely available on the world wide web at www.premierbiosoft.com/netprimer/netprlaunch/Help/xnetprlaunch.html). For example, the T_(m) of a primer can be calculated using following formula, which is used by NetPrimer software and is described in more detail in Frieir et al. PNAS 1986 83:9373-9377 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. T _(m) =ΔH/(ΔS+R*ln(C/4))+16.6 log([K⁺]/(1+0.7[K⁺]))−273.15 wherein, ΔH is enthalpy for helix formation; ΔS is entropy for helix formation; R is molar gas constant (1.987 cal/° C.*mol); C is the nucleic acid concentration; and [K⁺] is salt concentration. For most amplification regimens, the annealing temperature is selected to be about 5° C. below the predicted T_(m), although temperatures closer to and above the T_(m) (e.g., between 1° C. and 5° C. below the predicted T_(m) or between 1° C. and 5° C. above the predicted T_(m)) can be used, as can, for example, temperatures more than 5° C. below the predicted T_(m) (e.g., 6° C. below, 8° C. below, 10° C. below or lower). Generally, the closer the annealing temperature is to the T_(m), the more specific is the annealing. The time allowed for primer annealing during a PCR amplification regimen depends largely upon the volume of the reaction, with larger volumes requiring longer times, but also depends upon primer and template concentrations, with higher relative concentrations of primer to template requiring less time than lower relative concentrations. Depending upon volume and relative primer/template concentration, primer annealing steps in an amplification regimen can be on the order of 1 second to 5 minutes, but will generally be between 10 seconds and 2 minutes, preferably on the order of 30 seconds to 2 minutes. As used herein, “substantially anneal” refers to a degree of annealing during a PCR amplification regimen which is sufficient to produce a detectable level of a specifically amplified product.

PCR also relies upon polymerase extension of annealed primers at each cycle. As used herein, the term “polymerase extension” means the template-dependent incorporation of at least one complementary nucleotide, by a nucleic acid polymerase, onto the 3′ end of an annealed primer. Polymerase extension preferably adds more than one nucleotide, preferably up to and including nucleotides corresponding to the full length of the template. Conditions for polymerase extension vary with the identity of the polymerase. The temperature used for polymerase extension is generally based upon the known activity properties of the enzyme. Although, where annealing temperatures are required to be, for example, below the optimal temperatures for the enzyme, it will often be acceptable to use a lower extension temperature. In general, although the enzymes retain at least partial activity below their optimal extension temperatures, polymerase extension by the most commonly used thermostable polymerases Taq polymerase and variants thereof) is performed at 65° C. to 75° C., preferably about 68-72° C.

Primer extension is performed under conditions that permit the extension of annealed oligonucleotide primers. As used herein, the term “conditions that permit the extension of an annealed oligonucleotide such that extension products are generated” refers to the set of conditions including, for example temperature, salt and co-factor concentrations, pH, and enzyme concentration under which a nucleic acid polymerase catalyzes primer extension. Such conditions will vary with the identity of the nucleic acid polymerase being used, but the conditions for a large number of useful polymerase enzymes are well known to those skilled in the art. One exemplary set of conditions is 50 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.8@25° C.), 0.5 to 3 mM MgCl₂, 200 uM each dNTP, and 0.1% BSA at 72° C., under which Taq polymerase catalyzes primer extension. The conditions for initiation and extension usually include the presence of at least one, but more preferably all four different deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates and a polymerization-inducing agent such as DNA polymerase or reverse transcriptase, in a suitable buffer (in this context “buffer” includes solvents (generally aqueous) plus necessary cofactors and reagents which affect pH, ionic strength, etc.) and at a suitable temperature.

In some embodiments, each amplification step can comprise a set of cycles of a PCR amplification regimen from 5 cycles to 20 cycles in length. In some embodiments, each amplification step can comprise a set of cycles of a PCR amplification regimen from 10 cycles to 20 cycles in length. In some embodiments, each amplification step can comprise a set of cycles of a PCR amplification regimen from 12 cycles to 16 cycles in length. In some embodiments, the annealing temperature can be less than 70° C. In some embodiments, the annealing temperature can be less than 72° C.

In various embodiments, the methods and compositions described herein relate to performing a PCR amplification regimen with one or more of the types of primers described herein. As used herein, “primer” refers to a DNA or RNA polynucleotide molecule or an analog thereof capable of specifically annealing, to a polynucleotide template and providing a 3′ end that serves as a substrate for a template-dependent polymerase to produce an extension product which is complementary to the polynucleotide template. A primer useful in the methods described herein is generally single-stranded, and a primer and its complement can anneal to form a double-stranded polynucleotide. Primers according to the methods and compositions described herein can be less than or equal to 300 nucleotides in length, e.g., less than or equal to 300, or 250, or 200, or 150, or 100, or 90, or 80, or 70, or 60, or 50, or 40, or 30 or fewer, or 20 or fewer, or 15 or fewer, but at least 10 nucleotides in length. Methods of making primers are well known in the art, and numerous commercial sources offer oligonucleotide synthesis services suitable for providing primers according to the methods and compositions described herein, e.g. INVITROGEN™ Custom DNA Oligos; Life Technologies; Grand Island, N.Y. or custom DNA Oligos from IDT; Coralville, Iowa).

In some embodiments, after the Universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor is ligated to the nucleic acids in a sample (e.g. the target nucleic acids), the target nucleic acid can be amplified in a first amplification step (i.e. step (b)). The first amplification step can be a set of PCR amplification cycles using a first target-specific primer and a first tail-adaptor primer.

As used herein, the term “first target-specific primer” refers to a single-stranded oligonucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that can specifically anneal to the target nucleic acid at the annealing temperature.

In some embodiments, the first-target specific primer can comprise a 5′ tag sequence portion. In some embodiments, all first-target specific primers present in a reaction can comprise identical 5′ tag sequence portions. In a multiplex PCR reaction, different primer species can interact with each other in an undesired off-target manner, leading to primer extension and subsequently amplification by DNA polymerase. These primer dimers tend to be short, and their efficient amplification can overtake the reaction and dominate resulting in poor amplification of desired target sequence. The inclusion of a 5′ tag sequence on the first-target specific primer(s) causes any potential primer dimers that can result to contain the same complementary tails on both ends. In subsequent PCR cycles, the primer dimers would denature into single-stranded DNA primer dimers, each comprising complementary sequences on their two ends which are introduced by the 5′ tag. Instead of primer annealing to these single stranded DNA primer dimers, an intra-molecular hairpin (a panhandle like structure) formation would preferentially occur due to the proximate accessibility of the complementary tags on the same primer dimer molecule instead of an inter-molecular interaction with new primers on separate molecules. As a result, these primer dimers are very inefficiently amplified, such that primers are not exponentially consumed by the undesired dimers for amplification. Instead the tagged primers can remain in high and sufficient concentration for desired specific amplification of target sequences. Accumulation of primer dimers can also be a detriment to multiplex PCR because they compete for and consume other reagents in the reaction. In some embodiments, the 5′ tag sequence can be a GC-rich sequence, i.e. the tag sequence can comprise at least 50% GC content, at least 55% GC content, at least 60% GC content, at least 65% GC content, at least 70% GC content, at least 75% GC content, at least 80% GC content, or higher GC content. In some embodiments, the tag sequence can comprise at least 60% GC content. In some embodiments, the tag sequence can comprise at least 65% GC content.

As used herein, the term “second target-specific primer” refers to a single-stranded oligonucleotide comprising a 3′ portion comprising a nucleic acid sequence that can specifically anneal to a portion of the known target nucleotide sequence comprised by the amplicon resulting from step (b), and a 5′ portion comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is identical to a second sequencing primer. The second target-specific primer is nested with respect to the first target-specific primer. In some embodiments, the second target-specific primer is nested with respect to the first target-specific primer by at least 3 nucleotides, e.g. by 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, or 15 or more nucleotides.

In some embodiments, all of the second target-specific primers present in a reaction comprise the same 5′ portion. In some embodiments, the 5′ portion the 5′ portion of the can serve to suppress primer dimers as described for the 5′ tag of the first target-specific primer described above herein.

In some embodiments, the first and second target-specific primers are substantially complementary to the same strand of the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the portions of the first and second target-specific primers that specifically anneal to the known target sequence can comprise a total of at least 20 unique bases of the known target nucleotide sequence, e.g. 20 or more unique bases, 25 or more unique bases, 30 or more unique bases, 35 or more unique bases, 40 or more unique bases, or 50 or more unique bases. In some embodiments, the portions of the first and second target-specific primers that specifically anneal to the known target sequence can comprise a total of at least 30 unique bases of the known target nucleotide sequence,

As used herein, the term “first adaptor primer” refers to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence identical to a 5′ portion of the first sequencing primer. As the first tail-adaptor primer is therefor identical to at least a portion of the sequence of the amplification strand (as opposed to complementary), it will not be able to specifically anneal to any portion of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor itself.

As used herein, the term “second adaptor primer” refers to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence identical to a portion of the first sequencing primer and is nested with respect to the first adaptor primer. As the second tail-adaptor primer is therefor identical to at least a portion of the sequence of the amplification strand (as opposed to complementary), it will not be able to specifically anneal to any portion of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor itself. In some embodiments, the second adaptor primer is identical to the first sequencing primer.

The second adaptor primer should be nested with respect to the first adaptor primer, that is, the first adaptor primer comprises a nucleic acid sequence identical to the amplification strand which is not comprised by the second adaptor primer and which is located closer to the 5′ end of the amplification primer than any of the sequence identical to the amplification strand which is comprised by the second adaptor primer. In some embodiments, the second adaptor primer is nested by at least 3 nucleotides, e.g. by 3 nucleotides, by 4 nucleotides, by 5 nucleotides, by 6 nucleotides, by 7 nucleotides, by 8 nucleotides, by 9 nucleotides, by 10 nucleotides or more.

In some embodiments, the first adaptor primer can comprise a nucleic acid sequence identical to about the 20 5′-most bases of the amplification strand of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor and the second adaptor primer can comprise a nucleic acid sequence identical to about 30 bases of the amplification strand of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor, with a 5′ base which is at least 3 nucleotides 3′ of the 5′ terminus of the amplification strand.

The use of nested adaptor primers eliminates the possibility of producing final amplicons that are amplifiable (e.g. during bridge PCR or emulsion PCR) but cannot be sequence, a situation that can arise during hemi-nested methods. In other situations, hemi-nested approaches using a primer identical to a sequencing primer can result in the carry-over of undesired amplification products from the first PCR step to the second PCR step and would ultimately yield artificial sequencing reads. The use of two adaptor primers, as described herein can reduce, and in some embodiments eliminate, these problems.

In the first PCR amplification cycle of the first amplification step, the first target-specific primer can specifically anneal to a template strand of any nucleic acid comprising the known target nucleotide sequence. Depending upon the orientation with which the first target-specific primer was designed, sequence upstream or downstream of the known target nucleotide sequence, and complementary to the template strand will be synthesized. If, during the extension phase of PCR, the 5′ end of the template strand terminates in a ligated Universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor, the 3′ end of the newly synthesized product strand will comprise sequence complementary to the first tail-adaptor primer. In subsequent PCR amplification cycles, both the first target-specific primer and the first tail-adaptor primer will be able to specifically anneal to the appropriate strands of the target nucleic acid sequence and the sequence between the known nucleotide target sequence and the Universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can be amplified, (i.e. copied).

In the next step (i.e. step (c)) of the method described herein, a portion of the amplified portion resulting from step (b) is amplified in a second amplification step. The second amplification step can be a set of PCR amplification cycles using a second target-specific primer and a first sequencing primer. The second set of PCR amplification cycles can have PCR parameters identical to, or which differ from, those of the first set of PCR amplification cycles. E.g. the PCR amplification regimens of steps (b) and (c) can have the same or different annealing temperatures or the same or different extension step time lengths.

The methods described herein allow for determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to a known target nucleotide sequence on either or both flanks of the known target nucleotide sequence. Regardless of whether the target nucleic acid normally exists as a single-stranded or double-stranded nucleic acid, sequence information is typically represented in a single-stranded format (Strand A), from 5′ to 3′. If the sequence 5′ of the known target nucleotide sequence of Strand A is to be determined, the gene-specific primers can be complementary (i.e. anneal to) Strand A. If the sequence 3′ of the known target nucleotide sequence of Strand A is to be determined, the gene-specific primers can be identical to Strand A, such that they will anneal to the complementary strand of a double-stranded target nucleic acid. Such considerations of primer design are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein, relating to the use of a first and second gene-specific primer can result in assays with a superior on-target rate, e.g. 70-90%. In some embodiments, the assays and methods described herein can have a target specificity rate of at least 85%.

In some embodiments, the four types of primers are designed such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary sequences at an annealing temperature of from about 61 to 72° C., e.g. from about 61 to 69° C., from about 63 to 69° C., from about 63 to 67° C., from about 64 to 66° C. In some embodiments, the four types of primers are designed such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary sequences at an annealing temperature of less than 72° C. In some embodiments, the four types of primers are designed such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary sequences at an annealing temperature of less than 70° C. In some embodiments, the four types of primers are designed such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary sequences at an annealing temperature of less than 68° C. In some embodiments, the four types of primers are designed such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary sequences at an annealing temperature of about 65° C.

In some embodiments, the portions of the target-specific primers that specifically anneal to the known target nucleotide sequence will anneal specifically at a temperature of about 61 to 72° C., e.g. from about 61 to 69° C., from about 63 to 69° C., from about 63 to 67° C., from about 64 to 66° C. In some embodiments, the portions of the target-specific primers that specifically anneal to the known target nucleotide sequence will anneal specifically at a temperature of about 65° C. in a PCR buffer.

In some embodiments, the primers and/or adaptors described herein can not comprise modified bases (e.g. the primers and/or adaptors can not comprise a blocking 3′ amine).

In the next step (i.e. step (d)) of the methods described herein, the amplified portion resulting from step (c) can be sequenced. In some embodiments, the sequencing can be performed by a next-generation sequencing method. As used herein “next-generation sequencing” refers to oligonucleotide sequencing technologies that have the capacity to sequence oligonucleotides at speeds above those possible with conventional sequencing methods (e.g. Sanger sequencing), due to performing and reading out thousands to millions of sequencing reactions in parallel. Non-limiting examples of next-generation sequencing methods/platforms include Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (Lynx Therapeutics); 454 pyro-sequencing (454 Life Sciences/Roche Diagnostics); solid-phase, reversible dye-terminator sequencing (Solexa/Illumina): SOLiD technology (Applied Biosystems); ion semiconductor sequencing (ION Torrent); DNA nanoball sequencing (Complete Genomics); and technologies available from Pacific Biosciences, Intelligen Bio-systems, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and Helicos Biosciences. In some embodiments, the sequencing primers can comprise portions compatible with the selected next-generation sequencing method. Next-generation sequencing technologies and the constraints and design parameters of associated sequencing primers are well known in the art (see, e.g. Shendure, et al., “Next-generation DNA sequencing.” Nature, 2008. vol. 26, No. 10, 11354145; Mardis, “The impact of next-generation sequencing technology on genetics,” Trends in Genetics, 2007, vol. 24, No, 3. pp. 133-141; Su, et al., “Next-generation sequencing and its applications in molecular diagnostics” Expert Rev Mol. Diagn. 2011, 11(3)133-43; Zhang et al, “The impact of next-generation sequencing on genomics”, J Genet Genomics, 2011, 38(3):95-109; (Nyren, P. et al. And Biochem 208: 17175 (1993); Bentley, D. R. Curr Opin Genet Dev 16:545-52 (2006), Strausberg, R. L., et al. Drug Disc Today 13:569-77 (2008); U.S. Pat. No. 7,282,337; U.S. Pat. No. 7,279,563; U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,720; U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,549; U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,560; U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,395; U.S. Pat. No. 6,911,345; US Pub. Nos. 2006/0252077; 200710070349; and 20070070349; which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties).

In some embodiments, the sequencing step relies upon the use of a first and second sequencing primers. In some embodiments, the first and second sequencing primers are selected to be compatible with a next-generation sequencing method as described herein.

Methods of aligning sequencing reads to known sequence databases of genomic and/or cDNA sequences are well known in the art and software is commercially available for this process. In some embodiments, reads (less the sequencing primer and/or adaptor nucleotide sequence) which do not map, in their entirety, to wild-type sequence databases can be genomic rearrangements or large indel mutations. In some embodiments, reads (less the sequencing primer and/or adaptor nucleotide sequence) comprising sequences which map to multiple locations in the genome can be genomic rearrangements.

In some embodiments, target nucleic acids and/or amplification products thereof can be isolated from enzymes, primers, or buffer components before and/or after any of steps a-d. Methods for isolating nucleic acids are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the isolation can comprise Solid Phase Reversible Immobilization (SPRI) cleanup. Methods for SPRI cleanup are well known in the art and kits are commercially available, e.g. Agencourt AMPure XP-PCR Purification (Cat No. A63880, Beckman Coulter; Brea, Calif.). In some embodiments, enzymes can be inactivated by heat treatment.

In some embodiments, the target nucleic acid can be comprised by genomic DNA. In some embodiments, the target nucleic acid can be comprised by ribonucleic acid (RNA), e.g. mRNA. In some embodiments, the target nucleic acid can be comprised by cDNA. Many of the sequencing methods suitable for use in the methods described herein provide sequencing runs with optimal read lengths of tens to hundreds of nucleotide bases (e.g. Ion Torrent technology can produce read lengths of 200-400 bp). Target nucleic acids comprised, for example, by genomic DNA or mRNA, can be comprised by nucleic acid molecules which are substantially longer than this optimal read length. In order for the amplified nucleic acid portion resulting from step (c) to be of a suitable length for use in a particular sequencing technology, the average distance between the known target nucleotide sequence and an end of the target nucleic acid to which the Universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can be ligated should be as close to the optimal read length of the selected technology as possible. For example, if the optimal read-length of a given sequencing technology is 200 bp, then the nucleic acid molecules amplified in accordance with the methods described herein should have an average length of about 400 bp or less. Target nucleic acids comprised by, e.g., genomic DNA or mRNA, can be sheared, e.g. mechanically or enzymatically sheared, to generate fragments of any desired size prior to step (a). Non-limiting examples of mechanical shearing processes include sonication, nebulization, and AFA™ shearing technology available from Covaris (Woburn, Mass.). In some embodiments, a target nucleic acid comprised by genomic DNA can be mechanically sheared by sonication. In some embodiments, when the target nucleic acid is comprised by RNA, the sample can be subjected to a reverse transcriptase regimen to generate DNA template and the DNA template can then be sheared. In some embodiments, target RNA can be sheared before performing the reverse transcriptase regimen. In some embodiments, a sample comprising target RNA can be used in the methods described herein using total nucleic acids extracted from either fresh or degraded specimens; without the need of genomic DNA removal for cDNA sequencing; without the need of ribosomal RNA depletion for cDNA sequencing; without the need of mechanical or enzymatic shearing in any of the steps; by subjecting the RNA for double-stranded cDNA synthesis using random hexamers; and by subjecting the nucleic acid to end-repair, phosphorylation, and adenylation in a single tube.

In some embodiments, the known target nucleotide sequence can be comprised by a gene rearrangement. The methods described herein are suited for determining the presence and/or identity of a gene rearrangement as the identity of only one half of the gene rearrangement must be previously known (i.e. the half of the gene rearrangement which is to be targeted by the gene-specific primers). In some embodiments, the gene rearrangement can comprise an oncogene. In some embodiments, the gene rearrangement can comprise a fusion oncogene.

In some embodiments, the target nucleic acid can be comprised by a sample. In some embodiments, the target nucleic acid can be comprised by a sample obtained from a subject. In some embodiments a sample can be a diagnostic sample obtained from a subject. In some embodiments, a sample can further comprise proteins, cells, fluids, biological fluids, preservatives, and/or other substances. By way of non-limiting example, a sample can be a cheek swab, blood, serum, plasma, sputum, cerebROS1pinal fluid, urine, tears, alveolar isolates, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, cyst fluid, tumor tissue, tissue, a biopsy, saliva, an aspirate, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a sample can be obtained by resection or biopsy.

In some embodiments, the sample can be obtained from a subject in need of treatment for cancer. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise a population of tumor cells, e.g. at least one tumor cell. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise a tumor biopsy, including but not limited to, untreated biopsy tissue or treated biopsy tissue (e.g. formalin-fixed and/or paraffin-embedded biopsy tissue).

In some embodiments, the sample can be freshly collected. In some embodiments, the sample can be stored prior to being used in the methods and compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the sample is an untreated sample. As used herein, “untreated sample” refers to a biological sample that has not had any prior sample pre-treatment except for dilution and/or suspension in a solution. In some embodiments, a sample can be obtained from a subject and preserved or processed prior to being utilized in the methods and compositions described herein. By way of non-limiting example, a sample can be embedded in paraffin wax, refrigerated, or frozen. A frozen sample can be thawed before determining the presence of a nucleic acid according to the methods and compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the sample can be a processed or treated sample. Exemplary methods for treating or processing a sample include, but are not limited to, centrifugation, filtration, sonication, homogenization, heating, freezing and thawing, contacting with a preservative (e.g. anti-coagulant or nuclease inhibitor) and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sample can be treated with a chemical and/or biological reagent. Chemical and/or biological reagents can be employed to protect and/or maintain the stability of the sample or nucleic acid comprised by the sample during processing and/or storage. In addition, or alternatively, chemical and/or biological reagents can be employed to release nucleic acids from other components of the sample. By way of non-limiting example, a blood sample can be treated with an anti-coagulant prior to being utilized in the methods and compositions described herein. The skilled artisan is well aware of methods and processes for processing, preservation, or treatment of samples for nucleic acid analysis. In some embodiments, the sample can be a clarified fluid sample, for example, by centrifugation. In some embodiments, the sample can be clarified by low-speed centrifugation (e.g. 3,000×g or less) and collection of the supernatant comprising the clarified fluid sample.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid present in a sample can be isolated, enriched, or purified prior to being utilized in the methods and compositions described herein. Methods of isolating, enriching, or purifying nucleic acids from a sample are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. By way of non-limiting example, kits for isolation of genomic DNA from various sample types are commercially available (e.g. Catalog Nos. 51104, 51304, 56504, and 56404; Qiagen; Germantown, Md.).

The methods described herein can be used in multiplex techniques. In embodiments of the methods described herein, multiplex applications can include determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to one or more known target nucleotide sequences. As used herein, “multiplex PCR” refers to a variant of PCR where simultaneous amplification of more than one target nucleic acid in one reaction vessel and subsequent determination of the sequence of the amplification products by using more than one set of first and second gene-specific primers. Multiplex can refer to the detection of between about 2-1,000 different target sequences in a single reaction. As used herein, multiplex refers to the detection of any range between 2-1,000, e.g., between 5-500, 25-1000, or 10-100 different target sequences in a single reaction, etc. The term “multiplex” as applied to PCR implies that there are primers specific for at least two different target sequences in the same PCR reaction.

In some embodiments, the target nucleic acids in a sample, or separate portions of a sample, can be amplified with a plurality of first and second target-specific primers. In some embodiments, the plurality of first and second target-specific primers can be present in a single reaction mixture, e.g. multiple amplification products can be produced in the same reaction mixture. In some embodiments, the plurality of sets of first and second target-specific primers can specifically anneal to known target sequences comprised by separate genes. In some embodiments, at least two sets of first and second target-specific primers can specifically anneal to different portions of a known target sequence. In some embodiments, at least two sets of first and second target-specific primers can specifically anneal to different portions of a known target sequence comprised by a single gene. In some embodiments, at least two sets of first and second target-specific primers can specifically anneal to different exons of a gene comprising a known target sequence. In some embodiments, the plurality of first target-specific primers can comprise identical 5′ tag sequence portions.

In embodiments of the methods described herein, multiplex applications can include determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to one or more known target nucleotide sequences in multiple samples in one sequencing reaction or sequencing run. The multiple samples can be of different origins, e.g. from different tissues and/or different subjects. In such embodiments, the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor can further comprise a barcode portion. In some embodiments, a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor with a unique barcode portion can be added to each sample and ligated to the nucleic acids therein; the samples can then be pooled after step (a). Each resulting sequencing read of an amplification product will therefor comprise a barcode identifying which sample comprised the original template nucleic acid from which the amplification product is derived. The use of barcode portions in next-generation sequencing applications is well known in the art and described, for example, in Margulies, M. et al. “Genome Sequencing in Microfabricated. High-Density Picoliter Reactors”, Nature, 437, 376-80 (2005); Mikkelsen, T. et al. “Genome-Wide Maps of Chromatin State in Pluripotent and Lineage-Committed. Cells”, Nature, 448, 553-60 (200); McLaughlin, S. et al, “Whole-Genome Resequencing With Short Reads; Accurate Mutation Discovery With Mate Pairs and Quality Values”, ASHG Annual Meeting (2007); Shendure I. et al. “Accurate Multiplex Polony Sequencing of an Evolved Bacterial Genome”, Science, 309, 1728-32 (2005); Harris, T. et al. “Single-Molecule DNA Sequencing of a Viral Genome” Science, 320, 106-9 (2008); Simen, B. et al, “Prevalence of LOW Abundance Drug Resistant Variants by Ultra Deep Sequencing in Chronically HIV-infected Antiretroviral (ARV) Naive Patients and the impact on Virologic Outcomes”, 16th International HIV Drug Resistance Workshop, Barbados (2007); Thomas, R. et al. “Sensitive Mutation Detection in Heterogeneous Cancer Specimens by Massively Parallel Picoliter Reactor Sequencing”, Nature Med., 12, 852-855 (2006); Mitsuya, Y et al. “Minority Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type I Variants in Antiretroviral-Naive Persons With Reverse Transcriptase Codon 215 Revertant Mutations”, I. Vir., 82, 10747-10755 (2008); Binladen, J. et al. “The Use of Coded PCR Primers Enables High-Throughput Sequencing of Multiple HomologAmplification Products by 454 Parallel Sequencing”, PLoS ONE, 2, e197 (2007); and Hoffmann, C. et al. “DNA Bar Coding and PyROS1 Sequencing to Identify Rare HIV Drug Resistance Mutations”, Nuc. Acids Res., 35, e91 (200), all of which are herein incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments of the technology described herein, determining the sequence contiguous to a known oligonucleotide target sequence can provide information relevant to treatment of disease, and/or can be comprised by a method of treating disease. In some embodiments, the sample can be from a subject in need of treatment for a disease associated with a genetic alteration. In some embodiments, the known oligonucleotide target sequence can be comprised by a disease-associated gene, e.g. an oncogene. In some embodiments, the sequence contiguous to a known oligonucleotide target sequence and/or the known oligonucleotide target sequence can comprise a mutation or genetic abnormality which is disease-associated, e.g. a SNP, an insertion, a deletion, and/or a gene rearrangement. In some embodiments, the sequence contiguous to a known oligonucleotide target sequence and/or the known oligonucleotide target sequence present in a sample can be comprised by a gene rearrangement product. In some embodiments, the gene rearrangement can be an oncogene, e.g. a fusion oncogene.

Certain treatments for cancer are particularly effective against tumors comprising certain oncogenes, e.g. a treatment agent which targets the action or expression of a given fusion oncogene can be effective against tumors comprising that fusion oncogene but not against tumors lacking the fusion oncogene. The methods described herein can allow the determination of specific sequences which reveal oncogene status (e.g. mutations, SNPs, and/or rearrangements). As described herein, the methods described herein can further allow the determination of specific sequences when the sequence of only one flank is known, e.g. the methods described herein can determine the presence and identity of gene rearrangements involving known oncogenes where the precise location and/or rearrangement partner are not known before the methods described herein are performed.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a method of treating cancer, the method comprising; detecting, in a tumor sample obtained from a subject in need of treatment for cancer, the presence of one or more oncogene rearrangements according to the method described herein; administering a cancer treatment which is effective against tumors having any of the detected oncogene rearrangements. In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a method of determining if a subject in need of treatment for cancer will be responsive to a given treatment, the method comprising; detecting, in a tumor sample obtained from the subject, the presence of an oncogene rearrangement according to the method as described herein; wherein the subject is determined to be responsive to a treatment targeting an oncogene rearrangement product if the presence of the oncogene rearrangement is detected.

In some embodiments, e.g. when the sample is obtained from a subject in need of treatment for lung cancer, the known oligonucleotide target sequence can comprise sequence from a gene selected from the group of ALK; ROS1; and RET. Gene rearrangements involving the ALK, ROS1, and RET genes and which result in fusion oncogenes are well known in the art (see, e.g. Soda et al. Nature 2007 448561-6: Rikova et al. Cell 2007 131:1190-1203; Kohno et al. Nature Medicine 2012 18:375-7; Takouchi et al. Nature Medicine 2012 18:378-81; which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. However, the precise location of the gene rearrangement (e.g. where in the ALK, ROS1, and/or RET gene the rearrangement has occurred), and the identity of the second gene involved in the rearrangement can vary. In the methods described herein, the presence and identity of such a rearrangement can be detected without having to know the location of the rearrangement or the identity of the second gene involved in the gene rearrangement.

In some embodiments, the known target sequence can comprise sequence from a gene selected from the group of: ALK; ROS1; and RET. In some embodiments, at least one set of a first target-specific primer and a second target-specific primer can be selected from the group consisting of; SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6; SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8; SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10; SEQ ID NOs: 11 and 12; SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14; SEQ ID NOs: 15 and 16; SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 18; SEQ ID NOs: 19 and 20; SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 22; SEQ ID NOs: 23 and 24; SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 26; SEQ ID NOs: 27 and 28; SEQ ID NOs: 29 and 30; SEQ ID NOs: 31 and 32; SEQ ID NOs: 33 and 34; SEQ ID NOs: 35 and 36; and SEQ ID NOs: 37 and 38.

In some embodiments, the presence of a gene rearrangement of ALK in a sample obtained from a tumor in a subject can indicate that the tumor is susceptible to treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting of: an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; diamino and aminopyrimidine inhibitors of ALK kinase activity such as NVP-TAE684 and PF-02341066 (see, e.g. Galkin et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2007, 104:270-275, Zou et al. Cancer Res, 2007, 67:4408-4417: Hallberg and Palmer F1000 Med Reports 2011 3:21, and Sakamoto et al. Cancer Cell 2011 19:679-690) and molecules disclosed in WO 04/079326. All of the foregoing references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. An ALK inhibitor can include any agent that reduces the expression and/or kinase activity of ALK or a portion thereof, including, e.g. oligonucleotides, small molecules, and/or peptides that reduce the expression and/or activity of ALK or a portion thereof. As used herein “anaplastic lymphoma kinase” or “ALK” refers to a transmembrane tyROS1ine kinase typically involved in neuronal regulation in the wildtype form. The nucleotide sequence of the ALK gene and mRNA are known for a number of species, including human (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 2 (mRNA), NCBI Gene ID: 238).

In some embodiments, the presence of a gene rearrangement of ROS1 in a sample obtained from a tumor in a subject can indicate that the tumor is susceptible to treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting of: a ROS1 inhibitor and an ALK inhibitor as described herein above (e.g. crizotinib). A ROS1 inhibitor can include any agent that reduces the expression and/or kinase activity of ROS1 or a portion thereof, including, e.g. oligonucleotides, small molecules, and/or peptides that reduce the expression and/or activity of ROS1 or a portion thereof. As used herein “c-ROS1 oncogene 1” or “ROS1” (also referred to in the art as ROS1-1) refers to a transmembrane tyROS1ine kinase of the sevenless subfamily and which interacts with PTPN6. The nucleotide sequence of the ROS1 gene and mRNA are known for a number of species, including human (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 (mRNA), NCBI Gene ID: 238).

In some embodiments, the presence of a gene rearrangement of RET in a sample obtained from a tumor in a subject can indicate that the tumor is susceptible to treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting of: a RET inhibitor; DP-2490, DP-3636, SU5416; BAY 43-9006, BAY 73-4506 (regorafenib), ZD6474, NVP-AST487, sorafenib, RPI-1, XL184, vandetanib, sunitinib, imatinib, pazopanib, axitinib, motesanib, gefitinib, and withaferin A (see, e.g. Samadi et al. Surgery 2010 148:1228-36; Cuccuru et al. JNCI 2004 13:1006-1014; Akeno-Stuart et al. Cancer Research 2007 67:6956; Grazma et al. J Clin Oncol 2010 28:15s 5559; Mologni et al. J Mol Endocrinol 2006 37:199-212; Calmomagno et al. Journal NCI-2006 98:326-334; Mologni. Curr Med Chem 2011 18:162-175 and the compounds disclosed in WO 06/034833; US Patent Publication 2011/0201598 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,434). All of the foregoing references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. A RET inhibitor can include any agent that reduces the expression and/or kinase activity of RET or a portion thereof, including, e.g. oligonucleotides, small molecules, and/or peptides that reduce the expression and/or activity of RET or a portion thereof. As used herein “rearranged during transfection” or “RET” refers to a receptor tyROS1ine kinase of the cadherein superfamily which is involved in neural crest development and recognizes glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family signaling molecules. The nucleotide sequence of the ROS1 gene and mRNA are known for a number of species, including human (e.g. SEQ ID NOs: 3-4 (mRNA), NCBI Gene ID: 5979).

Further non-limiting examples of applications of the methods described herein include detection of hematological malignancy markers and panels thereof (e.g. including those to detect genomic rearrangements in lymphomas and leukemias), detection of sarcoma-related genomic rearrangements and panels thereof; and detection of IGH/TCR gene rearrangements and panels thereof for lymphoma testing.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein relate to treating a subject having or diagnosed as having, e.g. cancer with a treatment for cancer. Subjects having cancer can be identified by a physician using current methods of diagnosing cancer. For example, symptoms and/or complications of lung cancer which characterize these conditions and aid in diagnosis are well known in the art and include but are not limited to, weak breathing, swollen lymph nodes above the collarbone, abnormal sounds in the lungs, dullness when the chest is tapped, and chest pain. Tests that may aid in a diagnosis of, e.g. lung cancer include, but are not limited to, x-rays, blood tests for high levels of certain substances (e.g. calcium), CT scans, and tumor biopsy. A family history of lung cancer, or exposure to risk factors for lung cancer (e.g. smoking or exposure to smoke and/or air pollution) can also aid in determining if a subject is likely to have lung cancer or in making a diagnosis of lung cancer.

Cancer can include, but is not limited to, carcinoma, including adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, blastoma, melanoma, sarcoma, leukemia, squamous cell cancer, small-cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, Hodgkin's and non Hodgkin's lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, biliary tract cancer, bladder cancer, brain cancer including glioblastomas and medulloblastomas; breast cancer, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma; colon cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial carcinoma, endometrial cancer; esophageal cancer, gastric cancer; various types of head and neck cancers, intraepithelial neoplasms including Bowen's disease and Paget's disease; hematological neoplasms including acute lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemia; Kaposi's sarcoma, hairy cell leukemia; chromic myelogenous leukemia, AIDS-associated leukemias and adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma; kidney cancer such as renal cell carcinoma, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, lymphomas including Hodgkin's disease and lymphocytic lymphomas; liver cancer such as hepatic carcinoma and hepatoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, melanoma, multiple myeloma; neuroblastomas; oral cancer including squamous cell carcinoma; ovarian cancer including those arising from epithelial cells, sarcomas including leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, fibROS1arcoma, and osteosarcoma; pancreatic cancer; skin cancer including melanoma, stromal cells, germ cells and mesenchymal cells; pROS1tate cancer, rectal cancer; vulval cancer, renal cancer including adenocarcinoma; testicular cancer including germinal tumors such as seminoma, non-seminoma (teratomas, choriocarcinomas), stromal tumors, and germ cell tumors; thyroid cancer including thyroid adenocarcinoma and medullar carcinoma; esophageal cancer, salivary gland carcinoma, and Wilms' tumors. In some embodiments, the cancer can be lung cancer.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein comprise administering an effective amount of compositions described herein, e.g. a treatment for cancer to a subject in order to alleviate a symptom of a cancer. As used herein, “alleviating a symptom of a cancer” is ameliorating any condition or symptom associated with the cancer. As compared with an equivalent untreated control, such reduction is by at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more as measured by any standard technique. A variety of means for administering the compositions described herein to subjects are known to those of skill in the art. Such methods can include, but are not limited to oral, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, transdermal, airway (aeROS1ol), pulmonary, cutaneous, topical, injection, or intratumoral administration. Administration can be local or systemic. The term “effective amount” as used herein refers to the amount of a treatment needed to alleviate at least one or more symptom of the disease or disorder, and relates to a sufficient amount of pharmacological composition to provide the desired effect. The term “therapeutically effective amount” therefore refers to an amount that is sufficient to effect a particular anti-cancer effect when administered to a typical subject. An effective amount as used herein, in various contexts, would also include an amount sufficient to delay the development of a symptom of the disease, alter the course of a symptom disease (for example but not limited to, slowing the progression of a symptom of the disease), or reverse a symptom of the disease. Thus, it is not generally practicable to specify an exact “effective amount”. However, for any given case, an appropriate “effective amount” can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using only routine experimentation. The effects of any particular dosage can be monitored by a suitable bioassay. The dosage can be determined by a physician and adjusted, as necessary, to suit observed effects of the treatment.

Non-limiting examples of a treatment for cancer can include radiation therapy, surgery, gemcitabine, cisplastin, paclitaxel, carboplatin, bortezomib, AMG479, vorinostat, rituximab, temozolomide, rapamycin, ABT-737, PI-103; alkylating agents such as thiotepa and CYTOXAN® cyclosphosphamide; alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan, impROS1ulfan and piposulfan; aziridines such as benzodopa, carboquone, meturedopa, and uredopa; ethylenimines and methylamelamines including altretamine, triethylenemelamine, trietylenephosphoramide, triethiylenethiophosphoramide and trimethylolomelamine; acetogenins (especially bullatacin and bullatacinone); a camptothecin (including the synthetic analogue topotecan); bryostatin; callystatin; CC-1065 (including its adozelesin, carzelesin and bizelesin synthetic analogues); cryptophycins (particularly cryptophycin 1 and cryptophycin 8); dolastatin; duocarmycin (including the synthetic analogues, KW-2189 and CB1-TM1); eleutherobin; pancratistatin; a sarcodictyin; spongistatin; nitrogen mustards such as chlorambucil, chlornaphazine, cholophosphamide, estramustine, ifosfamide, mechlorethamine, mechlorethamine oxide hydrochloride, melphalan, novembichin, phenesterine, prednimustine, trofosfamide, uracil mustard; nitROS1ureas such as carmustine, chlorozotocin, fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, and ranimnustine; antibiotics such as the enediyne antibiotics (e.g., calicheamicin, especially calicheamicin gamma1I and calicheamicin omegaI1 (see, e.g., Agnew, Chem. Intl. Ed. Engl., 33: 183-186 (1994)); dynemicin, including dynemicin A; bisphosphonates, such as clodronate; an esperamicin; as well as neocarzinostatin chromophore and related chromoprotein enediyne antiobiotic chromophores), aclacinomysins, actinomycin, authramycin, azaserine, bleomycins, cactinomycin, carabicin, caminomycin, carzinophilin, chromomycinis, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, detorubicin, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, ADRIAMYCIN® doxorubicin (including morpholino-doxorubicin, cyanomorpholino-doxorubicin, 2-pyrrolino-doxorubicin and deoxydoxorubicin), epirubicin, esorubicin, idarubicin, marcellomycin, mitomycins such as mitomycin C, mycophenolic acid, nogalamycin, olivomycins, peplomycin, potfiromycin, puromycin, quelamycin, rodorubicin, streptonigrin, streptozocin, tubercidin, ubenimex, zinostatin, zorubicin; anti-metabolites such as methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); folic acid analogues such as denopterin, methotrexate, pteropterin, trimetrexate; purine analogs such as fludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine, thiamiprine, thioguanine; pyrimidine analogs such as ancitabine, azacitidine, 6-azauridine, carmofur, cytarabine, dideoxyuridine, doxifluridine, enocitabine, floxuridine; androgens such as calusterone, dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol, mepitiostane, testolactone; anti-adrenals such as aminoglutethimide, mitotane, trilostane; folic acid replenisher such as frolinic acid; aceglatone; aldophosphamide glycoside; aminolevulinic acid; eniluracil; amsacrine; bestrabucil; bisantrene; edatraxate; defofamine; demecolcine; diaziquone; elformithine; elliptinium acetate; an epothilone; etoglucid; gallium nitrate; hydroxyurea; lentinan; lonidainine; maytansinoids such as maytansine and ansamitocins; mitoguazone; mitoxantrone; mopidanmol; nitraerine; pentostatin; phenamet; pirarubicin; losoxantrone; podophyllinic acid; 2-ethylhydrazide; procarbazine; PSK® polysaccharide complex (JHS Natural Products, Eugene, Oreg.); razoxane; rhizoxin; sizofuran; spirogermanium; tenuazonic acid; triaziquone; 2,2′,2″-trichlorotriethylamine; trichothecenes (especially T-2 toxin, verracurin A, roridin A and anguidine); urethan; vindesine; dacarbazine; mannomustine; mitobronitol; mitolactol; pipobroman; gacytosine; arabinoside (“Ara-C”); cyclophosphamide; thiotepa; taxoids, e.g., TAXOL® paclitaxel (Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology, Princeton, N.J.), ABRAXANE® Cremophor-free, albumin-engineered nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel (American Pharmaceutical Partners, Schaumberg, Ill.), and TAXOTERE® doxetaxel (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Antony, France); chloranbucil; GEMZAR® gemcitabine; 6-thioguanine; mercaptopurine; methotrexate; platinum analogs such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin; vinblastine; platinum; etoposide (VP-16); ifosfamide; mitoxantrone; vincristine; NAVELBINE® vinorelbine; novantrone; teniposide; edatrexate; daunomycin; aminopterin; xeloda; ibandronate; irinotecan (Camptosar, CPT-11) (including the treatment regimen of irinotecan with 5-FU and leucovorin); topoisomerase inhibitor RFS 2000; difluoromethylornithine (DMFO); retinoids such as retinoic acid; capecitabine; combretastatin; leucovorin (LV); oxaliplatin, including the oxaliplatin treatment regimen (FOLFOX); lapatinib (Tykerb®); inhibitors of PKC-alpha, Raf, H-Ras, EGFR (e.g., erlotinib (Tarceva®)) and VEGF-A that reduce cell proliferation and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above. In addition, the methods of treatment can further include the use of radiation or radiation therapy. Further, the methods of treatment can further include the use of surgical treatments.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein can be applicable for resequencing, e.g. for confirming particularly relevant, low-quality, and/or complex sequences obtained by non-directed sequencing of a large amount of nucleic acids. By way of non-limiting examples, the methods described herein can allow the directed and/or targeted resequencing of targeted disease gene panels (e.g. 10-100 genes), resequencing to confirm variants obtained in large scale sequencing projects, whole exome resequencing, and/or targeted resequencing for detection of single nucleotide variants, multiple nucleotide variants, insertions, deletions, copy number changes, and methylation status.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein can allow microbiota sequencing, ancient sample sequencing, and/or new variant virus genotyping.

All patents and other publications; including literature references, issued patents, published patent applications, and co-pending patent applications; cited throughout this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the technology described herein. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while method steps or functions are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform functions in a different order, or functions may be performed substantially concurrently. The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other procedures or methods as appropriate. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the compositions, functions and concepts of the above references and application to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure. These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the detailed description. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Specific elements of any of the foregoing embodiments can be combined or substituted for elements in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure.

The technology described herein is further illustrated by the following examples which in no way should be construed as being further limiting.

Some embodiments of the technology described herein can be defined according to any of the following numbered paragraphs:

-   -   1. A method of determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to         a known target nucleotide sequence, the method comprising;         -   (a) ligating a target nucleic acid comprising the known             target nucleotide sequence with a universal oligonucleotide             tail-adaptor;         -   (b) amplifying a portion of the target nucleic acid and the             amplification strand of the universal oligonucleotide             tail-adaptor with a first adaptor primer and a first             target-specific primer;         -   (c) amplifying a portion of the amplicon resulting from             step (b) with a second adaptor primer and a second             target-specific primer;         -   (d) sequencing the amplified portion from step (c) using a             first and second sequencing primer;         -   wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises             a first ligatable duplex end and a second unpaired end;         -   wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises             a blocking strand and an amplification strand;             -   wherein the blocking strand comprises a 5′ duplex                 portion;             -   wherein the amplification strand comprises an unpaired                 5′ portion, a 3′ duplex portion, and a 3′ T overhang;                 -   wherein the amplification strand comprises nucleic                     acid sequences identical to a first and second                     sequencing primers;             -   wherein the duplex portions of the blocking strand and                 the amplification strand are substantially complementary                 and form the first ligatable duplex end comprising a 3′                 T overhang;                 -   wherein the duplex portion is of sufficient length                     to remain in duplex form at the ligation                     temperature;         -   wherein the first target-specific primer comprises a nucleic             acid sequence that can specifically anneal to the known             target nucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid at the             annealing temperature;         -   wherein the second target-specific primer comprises a 3′             portion comprising a nucleic acid sequence that can             specifically anneal to a portion of the known target             nucleotide sequence comprised by the amplicon resulting from             step (b), and a 5′ portion comprising a nucleic acid             sequence that is identical to a second sequencing primer and             the second target-specific primer is nested with respect to             the first target-specific primer;         -   wherein the first adaptor primer comprises a nucleic acid             sequence identical to a 5′ portion of the first sequencing             primer; and         -   wherein the second adaptor primer comprises a nucleic acid             sequence identical to a portion of the first sequencing             primer and is nested with respect to the first adaptor             primer.     -   2. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the blocking strand of the         universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor further comprises a 3′         unpaired portion which is not substantially complementary to the         5′ unpaired portion of the amplification strand; and         -   wherein the 3′ unpaired portion of the blocking strand is             not substantially complementary to or substantially             identical to any of the primers.     -   3. The method of any of paragraphs 1-2, wherein the second         adaptor primer is nested with respect to the first adaptor         primer by at least 3 nucleotides.     -   4. The method of any of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the portion of         the amplification strand that comprises a nucleic acid sequence         identical to a first and second sequencing primers is comprised,         at least in part, by the 5′ unpaired portion of the         amplification strand.     -   5. The method of any of paragraphs 1-4, wherein the first         target-specific primer further comprises a 5′ tag sequence         portion comprising a nucleic acid sequence of high GC content         which is not substantially complementary to or substantially         identical to any other portion of any of the primers.     -   6. The method of any of paragraphs 1-5, wherein the second         adaptor primer is identical to the full-length first sequencing         primer.     -   7. The method of any of paragraphs 1-6, wherein the portions of         the target-specific primers that specifically anneal to the         known target will anneal specifically at a temperature of about         65° C. in a PCR buffer.     -   8. The method of any of paragraphs 1-7, wherein the method         further comprises; prior to step (a), the steps of:         -   mechanically shearing the nucleic acid;         -   subjecting the nucleic acid to end-repair;         -   subjecting the nucleic acid to phosphorylation;         -   and subjecting the nucleic acid to adenylation.     -   9. The method of any of paragraphs 1-8, wherein the sample         comprises genomic DNA.     -   10. The method of any of paragraphs 1-9, wherein the sample         comprises RNA and the method further comprises a first step of         subjecting the sample to a reverse transcriptase regimen.     -   11. The method of any of paragraphs 1-10, wherein the reverse         transcriptase regimen comprises the use of random hexamers.     -   12. The method of any of paragraphs 1-11, wherein the known         target sequence is comprised by a gene rearrangement.     -   13. The method of paragraph 12 wherein the gene rearrangement is         present in a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of:         -   genomic DNA; RNA; and cDNA.     -   14. The method of any of paragraphs 12-13, wherein the gene         rearrangement comprises an oncogene.     -   15. The method of paragraph 14, wherein the gene rearrangement         comprises a fusion oncogene.     -   16. The method of any of paragraphs 1-15, wherein the nucleic         acid product is sequenced by a next-generation sequencing         method.     -   17. The method of paragraph 16, wherein the next-generation         sequencing method comprises a method selected from the group         consisting of:         -   Ion Torrent, Illumina, SOLiD, 454; Massively Parallel             Signature Sequencing solid-phase, reversible dye-terminator             sequencing; and DNA nanoball sequencing.     -   18. The method of any of paragraphs 1-17, wherein the first and         second sequencing primers are compatible with the selected         next-generation sequencing method.     -   19. The method of any of paragraphs 1-18, wherein the method         comprises contacting the sample, or separate portions of the         sample, with a plurality of sets of first and second         target-specific primers.     -   20. The method of any of paragraphs 1-19, wherein the method         comprises contacting a single reaction mixture comprising the         sample with a plurality of sets of first and second         target-specific primers.     -   21. The method of any of paragraphs 1-20, wherein the plurality         of sets of first and second target-specific primers specifically         anneal to known target nucleotide sequences comprised by         separate genes.     -   22. The method of any of paragraphs 1-21, wherein at least two         sets of first and second target-specific primers specifically         anneal to different portions of a known target nucleotide         sequence.     -   23. The method of any of paragraphs 1-22, wherein at least two         sets of first and second target-specific primers specifically         anneal to different portions of a single gene comprising a known         target nucleotide sequence.     -   24. The method of any of paragraphs 1-23, wherein at least two         sets of first and second target-specific primers specifically         anneal to different exons of a gene comprising a known         nucleotide target sequence.     -   25. The method of any of paragraphs 19-24, wherein the plurality         of first target-specific primers comprise identical 5′ tag         sequence portions.     -   26. The method of any of paragraphs 1-25, wherein the universal         oligonucleotide tail-adaptor further comprises a barcode         portion.     -   27. The method of paragraph 26, wherein multiple samples are         each contacted with a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor         with a unique barcode portion and wherein the samples are pooled         after step (a).     -   28. The method of any of paragraphs 1-27, wherein each         amplification step comprises a set of cycles of a PCR         amplification regimen from 5 cycles to 20 cycles in length.     -   29. The method of any of paragraphs 1-28, wherein the         target-specific primers and the adaptor primers are designed         such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary         sequences at an annealing temperature of from about 61 to 72° C.     -   30. The method of any of paragraphs 1-29, wherein the         target-specific primers and the adaptor primers are designed         such that they will specifically anneal to their complementary         sequences at an annealing temperature of about 65° C.     -   31. The method of any of paragraphs 1-30, wherein the sample         comprises a biological sample obtained from a subject.     -   32. The method of any of paragraphs 1-31, wherein the sample is         obtained from a subject in need of treatment for a disease         associated with a genetic alteration.     -   33. The method of paragraph 32, wherein the disease is cancer.     -   34. The method of any of paragraphs 1-33, wherein the sample         comprises a population of tumor cells.     -   35. The method of any of paragraphs 1-34, wherein the sample         comprises a tumor biopsy.     -   36. The method of any of paragraphs 1-35, wherein the cancer is         lung cancer.     -   37. The method of any of paragraphs 1-36, wherein the known         target sequence is comprised by a disease-associated gene.     -   38. The method of any of paragraphs 1-37, wherein the known         target sequence is comprised by a gene rearrangement product in         the sample.     -   39. The method of any of paragraphs 1-38, wherein gene         rearrangement product is an oncogene.     -   40. The method of any of paragraphs 1-39, wherein the known         target sequence comprises sequence from a gene selected from the         group of:         -   ALK; ROS1; and RET.     -   41. The method of paragraph 40, wherein at least one set of a         first target-specific primer and a second target-specific primer         are selected from the group consisting of;         -   SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6; SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8; SEQ ID NOs: 9 and             10; SEQ ID NOs: 11 and 12; SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14; SEQ ID             NOs: 15 and 16; SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 18; SEQ ID NOs: 19 and             20; SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 22; SEQ ID NOs: 23 and 24; SEQ ID             NOs: 25 and 26; SEQ ID NOs: 27 and 28; SEQ ID NOs: 29 and             30; SEQ ID NOs: 31 and 32; SEQ ID NOs: 33 and 34; SEQ ID             NOs: 35 and 36; and SEQ ID NOs: 37 and 38.     -   42. The method of any of paragraphs 40-41, wherein the presence         of a gene rearrangement of ALK in a sample obtained from a tumor         in a subject indicates that the tumor is susceptible to         treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting         of:         -   an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378;             3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396;             GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684.     -   43. The method of any of paragraphs 40-41, wherein the presence         of a gene rearrangement of ROS1 in a sample obtained from a         tumor in a subject indicates that the tumor is susceptible to         treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting         of:         -   a ROS inhibitor; an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066);             AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113;             X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684.     -   44. The method of any of paragraphs 40-41, wherein the presence         of a gene rearrangement of RET in a sample obtained from a tumor         in a subject indicates that the tumor is susceptible to         treatment with a treatment selected from the group consisting         of:         -   a RET inhibitor; DP-2490; DP-3636; SU5416; BAY 43-9006; BAY             73-4506 (regorafenib); ZD6474; NVP-AST487; sorafenib; RPI-1;             XL184; vandetanib; sunitinib; imatinib; pazopanib; axitinib;             motesanib; gefitinib; and withaferin A.     -   45. A method of treating cancer, the method comprising;         -   detecting, in a tumor sample obtained from a subject in need             of treatment for cancer, the presence of one or more             oncogene rearrangements according to the method of any of             paragraphs 1-44;         -   administering a cancer treatment which is effective against             tumors having any of the detected oncogene rearrangements.     -   46. The method of paragraph 45, wherein a treatment selected         from the group consisting of:         -   an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378;             3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396;             GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684;         -   is effective against tumors having an ALK oncogene             rearrangement.     -   47. The method of paragraph 45, wherein a treatment selected         from the group consisting of:         -   a ROS1 inhibitor; an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib             (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378; 3-39; AF802; IPI-504;             ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396; GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and             NVP-TAE684;         -   is effective against tumors having an ROS1 oncogene             rearrangement.     -   48. The method of paragraph 45, wherein a treatment selected         from the group consisting of:         -   a RET inhibitor; DP-2490; DP-3636; SU5416; BAY 43-9006; BAY             73-4506 (regorafenib); ZD6474; NVP-AST487; sorafenib; RPI-1;             XL184; vandetanib; sunitinib; imatinib; pazopanib; axitinib;             motesanib; gefitinib; and withaferin A;         -   is effective against tumors having an RET oncogene             rearrangement.     -   49. A method of determining if a subject in need of treatment         for cancer will be responsive to a given treatment, the method         comprising;         -   detecting, in a tumor sample obtained from the subject, the             presence of an oncogene rearrangement according to the             method of any of paragraphs 1-44;         -   wherein the subject is determined to be responsive to a             treatment targeting an oncogene rearrangement product if the             presence of the oncogene rearrangement is detected.     -   50. The method of paragraph 49, wherein if the presence of an         ALK oncogene rearrangement is detected, the subject will be         responsive to a treatment selected from the group consisting of:         -   an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378;             3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396;             GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684.     -   51. The method of paragraph 49, wherein if the presence of an         ROS1 oncogene rearrangement is detected, the subject will be         responsive to a treatment selected from the group consisting of:         -   an ALK inhibitor; crizotinib (PF-02341066); AP26113; LDK378;             3-39; AF802; IPI-504; ASP3026; AP-26113; X-396;             GSK-1838705A; CH5424802; and NVP-TAE684.     -   52. The method of paragraph 49, wherein if the presence of an         RET oncogene rearrangement is detected, the subject will be         responsive to a treatment selected from the group consisting of:         -   a RET inhibitor; DP-2490; DP-3636; SU5416; BAY 43-9006; BAY             73-4506 (regorafenib); ZD6474; NVP-AST487; sorafenib; RPI-1;             XL184; vandetanib; sunitinib; imatinib; pazopanib; axitinib;             motesanib; gefitinib; and withaferin A.     -   53. The method of any of paragraphs 44-52, wherein the cancer is         lung cancer.

EXAMPLES Example 1

In one embodiment, described herein is an assay using a novel half-truncated “Y” shape adapter for next generation sequencing library construction followed by two single-end nested polymerase chain reactions enables rapid and efficient target enrichment using RNA or genomic DNA as template from fresh or formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens. This enrichment method enables targeted resequencing of cDNA or gDNA for potential detection of genetic alterations (single nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions, and copy number), epigenetic alterations (methylation), gene expression, and genomic rearrangements.

Target enrichment prior to next-generation sequencing is more cost-effective than whole genome, whole exome, and whole transcriptome sequencing and therefore more practical for broad implementation both for research discovery and clinical applications. High coverage depth afforded by target enrichment approaches enables wider dynamic range for allele counting (in gene expression and copy number assessment) and detection of low frequency mutations, a critical feature for evaluating somatic mutations in cancer. Before broad implementation of whole genome or whole exome sequencing is possible, the mainstay of clinical next generation sequencing will involve select disease panels with a discrete number of gene targets. Likewise, research studies for analysis of large sample sizes based on defined gene targets will also require an economical means for genotyping. The assays described herein would be applicable in both of these settings.

For the detection of inter and intra-chromosomal rearrangements, whole genome or transcriptome sequencing is useful for novel discovery of genomic rearrangements and does not require prior knowledge of the involved gene/chromosomal partners. However, these whole genome and transcriptome approaches are not practical currently in the clinical setting due to high cost, low sequencing depth resulting in poor sensitivity, and highly demanding bioinformatics analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been the gold standard assay for the detection of genomic rearrangements in clinics; however, the assay is low-throughput and its implementation requires special equipment and expert knowledge/experience. RT-PCR is also effective at detecting such rearrangements but requires knowledge of both the 5′ and 3′ partners and is not scalable for a large number of targets/samples.

Examples of commonly used preparatory enrichment assays for next generation sequencing include hybridization-based capture assays (TruSeq Capture, Illumina; SureSelect Hybrid Capture, Agilent) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays (HaloPlex, Agilent; AmpliSeq, Ion Torrent; TruSeq Amplicon, Illumina; emulsion/digital PCR, Raindance). Hybridization-based approaches capture not only the targeted sequences covered by the capture probes but also near off-target bases that consume additional sequencing capacity. In addition, these methods are relatively time-consuming, labor-intensive, and less specific. A PCR amplification based approach is simpler and faster but by conventional design requires both forward and reverse primers flanking target loci. In particular for detection of genomic rearrangements with unknown fusion partners, PCR is not applicable.

Described herein is a target enrichment assay using a novel half-truncated “Y” shape adapter for next generation sequencing library construction, enabling rapid sequencing of cDNA or gDNA from fresh or FFPE specimens. FIG. 1 outlines the library construction for target enrichment using a half-truncated Y adapter for Ion Torrent sequencing as an example. Importantly, this method is adaptable for any other next generation sequencing platform, including but not limited to Illumina, SOLiD, and 454. In short a randomly sheared, double-stranded cDNA or gDNA template can be end-repaired, adenylated, and then ligated on one or both ends with the universal Y adapter to create a universal sequence for initiating PCR and subsequent sequencing. An initial round of PCR using a target specific primer tagged with a stuffer tail (the stuff tail aids in multiplexing a high number of targets) and a primer same as the 20 bases at 5′ Y adapter overhang. A second round of PCR is carried out with a primer same as the 30 bases at the 5′ Y adapter overhang and a second tandem nested target specific primer that anneals 3′ downstream of the first target specific primer. The second tandem nested primer is 5′ tagged with the second primer sequence required for downstream emulsion PCR or clustering depending on the sequencing technology. High specificity in this system is achieved with the unidirectional tandem, nested primers which will effectively cover a target sequence of 36-40 bases or more (depending on the spacing between the primers). Of note, the number of PCR cycles may be optimized depending on how much starting nucleic acid material is used, the number of pooled samples, and the number of targets.

In summary, the method utilizes a half-truncated Y adapter to universally tag all dsDNA fragments with a common 3′ end which is utilized for two rounds of PCR using two unidirectional, nested target specific primers for specificity. The application of tagged nested primers also avoids the effects of primer homodimerization and heterodimerization when targeting many different sites in the genome or transcriptome. In addition to multiplexing targets, the methods described herein also allow for multiplex sample pooling after the Y adapter ligation (Step 2) during which individual samples are ligated with unique barcoded adapters. Once barcoded via Y adapter ligation, multiple samples may be pooled into one reaction tube for downstream target enrichment.

In contrast to detection of genomic rearrangements which is more tolerant of insertion and deletion sequencing errors such as those found on Ion Torrent and 454 sequencing as a result of homopolymers, detection of single base and multiple base mutations (including insertions and deletions) requires higher accuracy sequencing achievable with the Illumina sequencing platform. For this purpose, the half-truncated Y adapted library can be converted to an Illumina library, e.g. by amplifying the overhanging, truncated 3′ arm of the Y adapter using a primer tagged with the Illumina forward adapter sequence (barcoded or non-barcoded), and tagged gene specific nested primers (GSP2s tagged with Illumina reversed primer). Similarly, Bi-directional sequencing is also achievable by introducing a sequencing primer via the overhanging, truncated 3′ Y adapter arm using a tagged primer during the first PCR, Step 3.

The assays and methods described herein have been applied on cDNA derived from FFPE specimens for the detection of ROS1 gene fusions using seven gene specific primers targeting seven exons comprising the ROS1 kinase domain. ROS1 genomic rearrangements were detected with known and previously unknown fusion partners such as “SLC34A2 Exon 12-ROS1 Exon 34” and “EZR Exon 9-ROS1 Exon 34” fusions. The assay achieved high on-target specificity (−85-95% when mapping using human genome hg19 reference), which enables the sequencing of multiple samples even with the smallest scale sequencing platforms (and thus least expensive) such as the Ion Torrent PGM 314 chip with high coverage results (7 targeted loci, 5 samples, >1000× coverage for each target per sample). FIG. 2 shows mapping of sequencing reads to the target loci in gene ROS1 kinase domain.

Advantages of the methods described herein include:

1. The methods described herein can be utilized for target enrichment of double stranded cDNA or gDNA from fresh or FFPE samples, allowing mapping of both 5′ and 3′ ends of target cDNA or gDNA fragments, using next-generation sequencing. Current hybridization-based approaches require days of preparation and hybridization, and show lower specificity with capture of near off-target sequences. Current amplification based approaches require known forward and reverse primers by design and are not amenable for high scale multiplexing of targets.

2. Simple Bioinformatics analysis. Depending on the number of selected targets, analysis of data generated from this assay is simple and fast. In addition, it may be set up to be compatible with current existing bioinformatics tools. Thus, small-size clinical labs may be able to perform data analysis without the need for significant investment in bioinformatics, which will be a limitation for broad clinical implementation of next generation sequencing.

3. High specificity (−85-95%). A conventional Y adapter construct having both components of forward and reverse primers (5′ and 3′ overhangs) for routine library construction will introduce a high level of background off-target sequencing due to carry over of “sequenceable” starting genomic or transcriptome library material. For instance, if the target is of size of 100 bp and present in two copies in one genome, the ratio of target-to-genome is about 1:3×10^7. Hybridization-based approaches normally employ biotinylated oligonucleotide baits to pull out hybridized target fragments by streptavidin coated magnetic beads. Just one non-specific binding event out of the possible 3×10^7 possibilities could dramatically result in a 50% off-target rate. The use of a half-truncated Y adapter effectively avoids this background carry over issue, since the starting library material cannot be amplified in subsequent preparatory steps for sequencing. Additional specificity is achieved by using two unidirectional primers, with GSP2 3′ downstream of GSP1. Effectively, the use of the two tandem primers yields a target priming site of 40 (assume two 20 base pair length primers) and higher specificity than with just one primer. The use of 5′ 20-mer primer in the first PCR and the full 30-mer primer (serves as a nested primer for the universal priming site) in the second PCR further increases specificity. Finally, additional specificity is achieved with the use of tagged primers for both PCR steps. Tagged primers, through intramolecular hairpin formation, prevent the propagation of primer homodimers and heterodimers which could overtake the PCR reactions and lead to nonspecific and undesired artifactual products; therefore, tagged primers allow the ability to multiplex many targets while avoiding primer dimers.

4. Economical cost. The key components in the methods described herein are conventional, unmodified tagged primers, standard PCR reagents, and routine thermocycling. Unlike hybridization based capture methods or microfluidic digital PCR setups, the described target enrichment protocol avoids the use of relatively expensive biotinylated oligonucleotides, streptavidin coated magnetic beads, and special equipment. Once manufactured, pooled GSP1 and GSP2 primer mixes may be used for thousands of reactions.

5. Automation. Because the method described herein relies on standard PCR techniques and SPRI cleanup, there is potential for facile automation in high throughput applications. Volumes may be adjusted for 384 well plates for ultra-highthroughput implementation.

Applications of the methods and assays described herein include, but are not limited to: 1. A lung cancer translocation panel consisting of known therapeutic targets including genes ALK, ROS1 and RET; 2. hematological malignancy panels including those to detect genomic rearrangements in lymphomas and leukemias; 3. Sarcoma genomic rearrangement panel; 4. IGH/TCR gene rearrangement panel for lymphoma testing; 5. Targeted disease gene panel for resequencing (10-100 genes); 6. Targeted resequencing for confirming variants from large scale sequencing projects; 7. Potential for whole exome targeted resequencing; 8. Targeted resequencing for detection of single nucleotide variants, multiple nucleotide variants, insertions, deletions, copy number changes, and methylation status; 9. Microbiota sequencing; 10. Ancient sample sequencing; 11. New variant virus genotyping.

Example 2 Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Simultaneous Detection of ALK, ROS1 and RET Gene Rearrangements

Knowledge of chromosomal rearrangement status in cancer is important for individualized targeted therapy. Recently, three major receptor tyROS1ine kinases involved in rearrangements in lung cancer have been described. Gene rearrangements involving the ALK gene has been established as a therapeutic target. Early clinical trial data also suggest that a ROS1 inhibitor is effective in treating patients testing positive for the ROS1 rearrangement. In vitro evidence has shown that tumor cells harbouring the RET rearrangement are responsive to a RET inhibitor. Thus, ALK, ROS1, and RET currently represent three important therapeutic targets in lung cancer.

Current clinical assays for the detection of gene rearrangements include fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). FISH and IHC may not be able to accommodate the increasing demand for high volume testing/screening due to their low throughput, high cost, and complex interpretation. RT-PCR assays require full knowledge of both fusion partners which are sometimes unavailable and effectively impact clinical sensitivity. Multiplex RT-PCR has been used for detection of variant fusions involving different exons between two known fusion partners. In general, these assays are limited to a one gene target at a time approach requiring multiple reaction setups and analysis.

The latest next-generation sequencing-based assays for transcriptome or target capture sequencing have been applied largely for the purpose of research and discovery in large sequencing facilities. These assays in the research setting generally achieve low sequencing depth due to the vast number of targets, thus yielding low analytical sensitivity and subsequent poor clinical sensitivity. Though affordable for large sequencing facilities, these assays are not yet within reach for many clinical laboratories.

Described above are methods and assays related to a targeted sequencing method which applies a novel half-truncated “Y” shape adapter for next generation sequencing library construction followed by two single-end nested polymerase chain reactions enabling rapid and efficient target enrichment using RNA or genomic DNA as template from fresh or formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens.

Based on this method, described in this Example is a specific assay for the detection of ALK, ROS1, and RET gene rearrangements (FIGS. 3A-3B). Gene specific primers (GSP1) are designed to prime the exons near or on the kinase domain. Nested primers (GSP2) are designed to prime downstream of GSP1 but within the same exons and proximity to their paired GSP1s. The panel currently includes seven pairs of primers for targeting ROS1 exons 31 to 37; four pairs of primers for targeting ALK exons 19 to 22; and six pairs of primers for targeting RET exons 8 to 13.

This assay can be adapted to different NGS sequencing platforms by using platform specific adaptor sequence following the half-functional “Y” adaptor configuration and the GSP2 primers. After sequencing, the reads are mapped to the human genome reference allowing the identification of fusion partner genes, alternative splicing, as well as frame status of the fusions using a bioinformatics algorithm developed by the inventors (e.g. FIGS. 4A and 4B). The resulting output is a simple annotated table for quick reporting (FIG. 4C). Using this three gene target panel assay with multi-sample barcoding, ROS1, ALK and RET rearrangement positive samples have been detected using one Ion Torrent sequencing run.

This assay is applicable for degraded RNA, such as RNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimen, which is the most widely available clinical material for molecular diagnostic testing. This assay takes advantage of bench-top NGS platforms, a simple informatics analysis pipeline, and therefore relatively easy implemention for clinical laboratories. Of note, this assay does not require prior knowledge of the fusion partners and would yield high clinical sensitivity in the detection of various gene partners (and corresponding multiple exons) associated with the principle target gene. In addition, the assay will be functional for both unknown 5′ upstream or 3′ downstream fusion partners as long as one of the partners is known. Multiplexing and deep sequencing allows testing of samples with low tumor cellularity, rare fusions, and rare alternative splicing events. The detailed, patient specific rearrangement information afforded by this assay would be useful for evaluating genotype specific therapeutic response and perhaps a patient specific tumor marker for minimal residual disease monitoring. Based on conventional oligo synthesis reagents, off the shelf enzymes, and the ability to multiplex many samples in one run, this assay will be a cost-effective clinical assay for detecting gene rearrangements.

TABLE 1 Primers adapted for IonTorrent platform, v1. SEQ ID Primer Name Sequence NO ALKex19_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATGCGAGAGTGGCAGGTG 5 TGG ALKex19_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTCAGAGGTCACCACAGAGAGG 6 ATCAG ALKex20_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATCATGGCTTGCAGCTCC 7 TGGT ALKex20_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTGCAGCTCCATCTGCATGGCTT 8 G ALKex21_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATGGCCTTCATACACCTC 9 CCCAAA ALKex21_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTTTGGGCATTCCGGACACC 10 ALKex22_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATAGGAAATCCAGTTCGT 11 CCTGTTCAGA ALKex22_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTGATCAGGGCTTCCATGAGGA 12 AATC RETex10_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATGGCTCCCCAGGCTCGT 13 GT RETex10_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTAGGTGCCATAGCCAGCTTTA 14 ATCC RETex11_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATATCACCGTGCGGCACA 15 GCTC RETex11_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTGAGGACAGCGGCTGCGATCA 16 RETex12_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATAGAACCAAGTTCTTCC 17 GAGGGAAT RETex12_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTTCCAAATTCGCCTTCTCCTAG 18 AGTT RETex13_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATACAGCAGGTCTCGCAG 19 CTCAC RETex13_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTTGACCTGCTTCAGGACGTTG 20 AA RETex8_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATCTTGCTGACTGCACAG 21 GACAGG RETex8_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTTCCTCACACTCCAGCCGTCTC 22 RETex9_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATTGGTGCTGGGAGAGCA 23 GGT RETex9_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTCCGTCGGGGCAGGTCTTG 24 ROS1Ex31_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATGGCTGCATGAAGTTTT 25 AACATGG ROS1Ex31_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTTGATATTACAGACATAAGCA 26 GGACCTTGG ROS1Ex32_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATCTAGTAATTTGGGAAT 27 GCCTGGTTT ROS1Ex32_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTTTCAGCTTTCTCCCACTGTAT 28 TGAA ROS1Ex33_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATCATCTTCCACCTTAAAT 29 TCTGGTTCTGTA ROS1Ex33_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTCAGGATCCATTAAATGTCAT 30 CTTCC ROS1Ex34_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATAGTAAGTATGAAACTT 31 GTTTCTGGTATCC ROS1Ex34_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTGGTCAGTGGGATTGTAACAA 32 CCAG ROS1Ex35_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATCACCCCTTCCTTGGCAC 33 TTT ROS1Ex35_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTTCTTTGTCTTCGTTTATAAGC 34 ACTGTC ROS1Ex36_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATTTCAATCTCCTCTTGGG 35 TTGGA ROS1Ex36_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTCCGAGGGAAGGCAGGAAGA 36 TT ROS1Ex37_P1R2 CCTCTCTATGGGCAGTCGGTGATCAGGAATTCAATCTTC 37 TCCTGGTC ROS1Ex37_tag.R1 GGATCTCGACGCTCTCCCTCTCATCAGATGTGCCTCCTTC 38 AG Primer names indicate target gene and target gene exon comprising the known target nucleotide sequence. R1 designates a first target-specific primer and R2 designates a second target-specific primer. Detailed in this table is one set of a first target specific primer and one second target-specific for each listed exon of each gene. 

What is claimed herein is:
 1. A method for determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to a known target nucleotide sequence of 10 or more nucleotides, the method comprising: (i) ligating a universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor to a nucleic acid comprising the known target nucleotide sequence to produce a ligation product; (ii) amplifying the ligation product by polymerase chain reaction using a first adaptor primer that specifically anneals to the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor, and a first target-specific primer that specifically anneals to the known target nucleotide sequence; (iii) amplifying an amplification product of (ii) by polymerase chain reaction using a second adaptor primer and a second target-specific primer, wherein the second adaptor primer and the second target-specific primer are nested relative to the first adaptor primer and the first target-specific primer, respectively; and (iv) sequencing an amplification product of (iii) using a first sequencing primer and a second sequencing primer, wherein the first sequencing primer and the second sequencing primer are complementary to opposite strands of the amplification product of (iii).
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising, prior to step (i), mechanically shearing a nucleic acid preparation to produce the nucleic acid comprising the known target nucleotide sequence.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising, prior to step (i), end-repairing the nucleic acid to blunt the ends of the nucleic acid produced by mechanically shearing the nucleic acid preparation.
 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising, prior to step (i), phosphorylating the nucleic acid.
 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising, prior to step (i), adenylating the nucleic acid to produce a 3′-adenosine overhang on the nucleic acid.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid comprises cDNA.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid comprises genomic DNA.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid comprises RNA.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the RNA is mRNA.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid is prepared from a formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biological specimen.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid is prepared from a fresh biological specimen.
 12. The method of claim 2, wherein, after mechanically shearing the nucleic acid preparation, the resulting nucleic acid is subjected to a cleanup procedure.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the cleanup procedure is a Solid Phase Reversible Immobilization (SPRI) cleanup procedure.
 14. The method of claim 2, wherein the nucleic acid is subjected to end-repair followed by ligation of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor to the nucleic acid in step (i) without an intervening cleanup procedure.
 15. The method of claim 2, wherein the nucleic acid is further subjected to end-repair and phosphorylation followed by ligation of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor to the nucleic acid in step (i) without an intervening cleanup procedure.
 16. The method of claim 2, wherein the nucleic acid is further subjected to end-repair, phosphorylation and dA-tailing followed by ligation of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor to the nucleic acid in step (i) without an intervening cleanup procedure.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor is Y-shaped and has a truncated 3′ arm.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor is a half-truncated Y-shaped adaptor.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a ligatable duplex portion and an unpaired end, wherein the duplex portion comprises up to 17 base pairs (bp).
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a ligatable duplex portion and an unpaired end, wherein the duplex portion comprises at least 7 bp.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a ligatable duplex portion and an unpaired end, wherein the duplex portion comprises at least 7 and up to 17 bp.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a ligatable duplex portion and an unpaired end, wherein duplex portion is not so long as to substantially suppress amplification in step (ii).
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a ligatable duplex portion and an unpaired end, wherein the duplex portion is of limited length to avoid the formation of intramolecular hairpins during amplification.
 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the duplex portion of the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor is of sufficient length to remain in duplex form during ligation in step (i).
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein ligating in step (i) comprises performing a blunt-end ligation reaction.
 26. The method of claim 1, wherein ligating in step (i) comprises performing an overhang ligation reaction.
 27. The method of claim 1, wherein ligating in step (i) comprises performing a TA ligation reaction.
 28. The method of claim 1, wherein the first target-specific primer comprises a nucleic acid that can specifically anneal to the known target nucleotide sequence at an annealing temperature in a range of 61° C. to 72° C.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the annealing temperature is about 65° C.
 30. The method of claim 1, wherein the second adaptor primer is nested with respect to the first adaptor primer by at least 3 nucleotides.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the second adaptor primer is nested with respect to the first adaptor primer by at least 3 and up to 10 nucleotides.
 32. The method of claim 1, wherein the PCR of step (ii) or step (iii) comprises 5 cycles to 20 cycles.
 33. The method of claim 1, wherein the amplification product of step (ii) is subjected to a cleanup procedure prior to being amplified in step (iii).
 34. The method of claim 1, wherein sequencing in step (iv) comprises performing a next-generation sequencing assay.
 35. The method of claim 1, wherein the known target nucleotide sequence comprises a sequence associated with a gene rearrangement.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the gene rearrangement results in a fusion oncogene.
 37. The method of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid is prepared from a sample obtained from a subject suspected of having a gene rearrangement.
 38. The method of claim 1, wherein the universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor further comprises a barcode portion.
 39. The method of claim 1 further comprising pooling multiple samples of ligation products prior to step (ii), and amplifying each of the multiple samples in step (ii) to produce the amplification product of step (ii), each sample having a ligated universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor containing a unique barcode portion.
 40. A method for determining the nucleotide sequence contiguous to a known target nucleotide sequence of 10 or more nucleotides, the method comprising: (i) ligating a truncated Y-shaped universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor to a nucleic acid comprising the known target nucleotide sequence to produce a ligation product; (ii) amplifying the ligation product by polymerase chain reaction using a first adaptor primer that specifically anneals to the truncated Y-shaped universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor, and a first target-specific primer that specifically anneals to the known target nucleotide sequence; (iii) amplifying an amplification product of (ii) by polymerase chain reaction using a second adaptor primer and a second target-specific primer, wherein the second adaptor primer and the second target-specific primer are nested relative to the first adaptor primer and the first target-specific primer, respectively; and (iv) sequencing an amplification product of (iii) using a first sequencing primer and a second sequencing primer, wherein the first sequencing primer and the second sequencing primer are complementary to opposite strands of the amplification product of (iii).
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the truncated Y-shaped universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a ligatable duplex portion and an unpaired end, wherein the duplex portion comprises up to 17 base pairs (bp).
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the truncated Y-shaped universal oligonucleotide tail-adaptor comprises a ligatable duplex portion and an unpaired end, wherein the duplex portion comprises at least 7 and up to 17 bp.
 43. The method of claim 40, wherein the second adaptor primer is nested with respect to the first adaptor primer by at least 3 and up to 10 nucleotides.
 44. The method of claim 41, wherein the known target nucleotide sequence comprises a sequence associated with a gene rearrangement.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the gene rearrangement results in a fusion protein.
 46. The method of claim 41, wherein the nucleic acid is prepared from a sample obtained from a subject suspected of having a gene rearrangement.
 47. The method of claim 40, wherein the second adaptor primer is nested with respect to the first adaptor primer by at least 3 nucleotides. 